This unit applies to the skills and knowledge required to develop control of tuning hammers by moving the tuning pins in very small increments accurately. This unit applies in a workplace and on-site environment and may be conducted in a small to large scale enterprise.

Applications may include some complex or non routine activities involving individual responsibility or autonomy and/or collaboration with others through members of groups or teams.

Nil

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Plan for using tuning hammers

1.1. OHS requirements, legislative requirements and workplace practices relevant to tuning pianos are verified and complied with.

1.2. Communication with others involved with the work is established and maintained to ensure efficient workflow, coordination, personnel co-operation and safety throughout the application of this competency.

1.3. Written instructions are followed.

2. Select tools and equipment

2.1. Tools and equipment are selected consistent with the needs of the job.

2.2. Selected tools and equipment are checked for service ability and safety and any faults repaired and reported according to workplace practices

2.3. Personal protective equipment is correctly fitted and used

3. Set pin in specified position

3.1. Correct posture for tuning is demonstrated which minimizes fatigue and promotes muscular control.

3.2. Pin is set at desired pitch utilising a pitch standard, within accuracy constraints, to + or - 0.5cents.

3.3. Key is struck using stabilising blows.

3.4. Coordinated motor and auditory reflexes are demonstrated throughout tuning.

3.5. Strings are tuned and stabilised using appropriate techniques.

4. Clean up work area

4.1. All tools, materials and other equipment are checked, cleaned and returned to their appropriate location

4.2. Work area is cleared and waste removed

4.3. Workplace documentation is completed and filed

Required skills

complete standardized workplace information

develop positive workplace relationships

identify, diagnose and rectify faults, to determine if pitch is sharp or flat by using interval checks

assess and take appropriate action to minimize risks

collect and organize information for the purpose of:

planning tasks and identifying task outcomes

planning use of resources

assessing and prioritizing tasks

managing time and resources

prioritise own work to meet customer's requirements regarding completion time

developing skill in control of tuning hammer

adapt to new skill requirements by using pitch standard and electronic tuning device

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

piano tuning process

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 tune pianos 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

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 and stabilise strings using tuning hammers

Identify tools and equipment used in tuning pianos

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

Set pin and tune and stabilise strings on both upright and grand pianos a minimum of three times, using tuning

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

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's 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

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

Unit sector

Piano Technology

This unit contains employability skills.