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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Select tools and equipment
  2. Prepare to tune octaves
  3. Tune the fundamental stringaurally to a pitch standard
  4. Match frequency of a string 1 octave above or below pitch standard
  5. Clean up work area

Required Skills

Required skills

ask questions to gain information from customer on tuning requirements

work with customer to determine tuning requirements

reinterpret customer statements of problems into solution

participate in activities to initiate new ideas and suggest improvements to work practices

participate in continuous improvement processes

manage own time to complete tuning and repair against set deadlines especially where piano is required for performances

apply reflective skills

use technology relevant to tuning pianos

Required knowledge

State or Territory OHS legislation regulations standards and codes of practice relevant to the full range of processes for tuning pianos

organisational and site standards requirements policies and procedures for tuning pianos

reading and interpreting workplace documents including work orders work instructions and operator instructions

environmental protection requirements relating to the disposal of waste material

established lines of communication and protocols

types characteristics uses limitations and preparation of materials and equipment used in piano tuning

types of tools and equipment used to regulate actions keys and pedals and procedures for their safe use operation and maintenance

problem identification and resolution

set up and operation of tools and equipment used for tuning pianos

storage systems and labelling

procedures for the recording reporting and maintenance of workplace records and information

appropriate mathematical procedures for estimation and measurement

Evidence Required

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria required skills and knowledge range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Interpret work order locate materials and use information to complete tasks to tune octaves aurally on upright and grand pianos

Identify tools and equipment used in octave tuning

Select set up and maintain equipment in accordance with manufacturer specifications and workplace practices

Tune a minimum of two octaves aurally on both upright and grand pianos

Modify activities to cater for variations in workplace contexts and environment

Communicate and work with others in the work area

Apply safe handling practices and safe operating procedures for equipment products and materials to

minimise the risk of injury to self or others

prevent damage to goods equipment and products

Clean tools equipment and work area

Maintain and repair a range of hand and power tools used in piano regulation and repair

Apply OHS practices when using hand and power tools holding and support equipment products and materials including use of personal protective equipment

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment may occur on the job or in a simulated workplace environment in accordance with work practices and safety requirements

Assessment is to occur under standard work practices and to comply with legislative and regulatory requirements

The following resources should be made available

hand and power tools used in the tuning and repair of pianos

materials used in the tuning and repair of pianos

safety and personal protective equipment

holding and supporting equipment

workplace location or simulated workplace

upright and grand pianos

Method of assessment

Assessment must confirm consistency over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts in application of skills and knowledge when

organising work

completing tasks according to instructions

working systematically with attention to detail

identifying improvements and avoiding damage

using workplace practices

using OHS practices

assessing operational readiness of tools and equipment

recognising and adapting to cultural differences in the workplace including modes of behaviour and interactions

Assessment must include a variety of project or work activities that allow the candidate to demonstrate competency in the unit

Assessment should be by direct observation of tasks and include questioning on required knowledge and skills to ensure correct interpretation and application

Assessment should be conducted over time and may be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency

Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Legislative/regulatory requirements

All work must comply with relevant Federal and State or Territory legislative or regulatory requirements.

OHS requirements may include:

Relevant Federal, State or Territory OHS legislation, regulations, standards and codes of practice, and workplace policies and procedures including the use of personal protection equipment, hazard and risk control and manual handling.

Legislative requirements may include:

Relevant Federal, State or Territory legislation including award and enterprise agreements, industrial relations, Australian Standards, confidentiality and privacy, the environment, equal opportunity, anti-discrimination, industry codes of practice.

Workplace practices may include:

Site guidelines, policies and procedures relating to own role, quality assurance, procedural manuals, tool manufacturer recommendations, ethical standards, recording and reporting, equipment use, maintenance and storage, environmental management (waste disposal, recycling, re-use).

Tools and equipment may include:

pitch standard

tuning lever/hammer

temperament strip

mutes and wedges

tip wrench

tuning tips and heads

Personal protective equipment may include:

Safety glasses, goggles, hearing protection, safety footwear, protective clothing, gloves, respiratory protection

Correct posture may include

Standing or seating, according to type of piano and height of individual

Even distribution of body weight between both feet while standing, to reduce fatigue

Rest arm where available to aid control during tuning and reduce tiredness

Definitions

Aurally is the ability to hear differences in frequency between strings within ± .5 cent without the aid of an electronic device where the fundamentals are matching with no audible interfering patterns

The Fundamental String is the first string of a given note that is tuned to an external pitch standard.

The Adjacent String is the string closest to fundamental string.

In a Bicord, the string selected can be either side of the Fundamental, while in a Tricord, three adjacent strings are tuned.

Beatless Condition is where two strings are at the same frequency.

Pitch standard may include:

piano

electronic keyboard

electronic tuning device (etd)

tuning fork

Hammer techniques may include:

selection of tuning tip and angle

jerking movements

positioning hammer on pin at correct angle to avoid bending of tuning pin

Stabilisation techniques may include:

use of firm key blows in conjunction with placement of pin calculation of string stretch

Workplace documentation may include:

Time sheets, customer cards, work orders including job sheets, cutting lists, plans, drawings and designs, tool maintenance records and schedules