MSFPT3014
Tune a piano aurally and electronically within time and accuracy constraints


Application

This unit of competency covers tuning an upright and grand piano to a set level of accuracy within a specified timeframe and to an appropriate level of accuracy using aural or electronic tuning devises (ETD) that may include computer software or a hardware device. It applies in workplace and on-site environments for small to large scale enterprises.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.


Elements and Performance Criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Plan for tuning a upright or grand piano

1.1

Work health and safety (WHS) requirements, legislative requirements and workplace practices relevant to repairing pianos are verified and complied with

1.2

Customer requirements are received, analysed and confirmed with appropriate personnel

1.3

Communication with others involved with the work is established and maintained to ensure efficient work flow, coordination, personnel cooperation and safety

1.4

Written instructions are followed

2

Prepare to tune a upright or grand piano

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

Dismantle piano

3.1

Procedure for dismantling piano is determined

3.2

Piano is dismantled to allow access to internal components during the tuning process

3.3

Correct WHS procedures are followed throughout dismantling process

3.4

Safe storage of all piano parts while tuning is demonstrated

4

Tune piano

4.1

Correct posture for tuning is demonstrated which minimises fatigue and promotes muscular control

4.2

Start note is tuned accurately to a pitch standard

4.3

Temperament octave F33-F45 is tuned to desired standard

4.4

Octaves and unisons are tuned to desired standard in accordance with customer specifications

4.5

Interval checks are used to assess accuracy throughout tuning process

4.6

Stable tuning is achieved in an industry acceptable timeframe without damage to the piano components

5

Re-assemble piano

5.1

Case parts are identified and placed for re-assembly

5.2

Case parts are re-assembled according to workplace practices

5.3

Correct WHS practices are followed throughout assembly process

6

Clean up work area

6.1

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

6.2

Work area is cleared and waste removed

6.3

Workplace documentation is completed and filed

Evidence of Performance

Interpret work order and locate and apply relevant information

Apply safe handling requirements for equipment, products and materials, including use of personal protective equipment

Identify materials used in the work process

Follow work instructions, operating procedures and inspection processes to:

minimise the risk of injury to self or others

prevent damage to goods, equipment and products

maintain required production output and product quality

Tune a minimum of two (2) pianos aurally and electronically within industry specified time and accuracy constraints, on both upright and grand pianos

Use mathematical ideas and techniques to correctly complete measurements, calculate area and estimate material requirements

Communicate ideas and information to enable confirmation of work requirements and specifications and the reporting of work outcomes and problems, interpret basic plans and follow safety procedures

Avoid backtracking, work flow interruptions or wastage

Work with others and in a team by recognising dependencies and using cooperative approaches to optimise work flow and productivity


Evidence of Knowledge

State or territory WHS 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 tune pianos and procedures for their safe use, operation and maintenance

Relevant 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


Assessment Conditions

Assessors must:

hold training and assessment competencies as determined by the National Skills Standards Council (NSSC) or its successors

have vocational competency in the furnishing industry at least to the level being assessed with broad industry knowledge and experience, usually combined with a relevant industry qualification

be familiar with the current skills and knowledge used and have relevant, current experience in the furnishing industry.

Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time rather than a single assessment event and in a range of workplace relevant contexts.

Assessment must be by observation of relevant tasks with questioning on underpinning knowledge and, where applicable, multimedia evidence, supervisor’s reports, projects and work samples.

Assessment is to be conducted on single units of competency or in conjunction with other related units of competency. Foundation skills are integral to competent performance in the unit and should not be assessed separately.

Assessment must occur on the job or in a workplace simulated facility with relevant process, equipment, materials, work instructions and deadlines.

Access is required to hand tools and equipment used in the tuning of pianos, safety and personal protective equipment, holding and supporting equipment, and upright and grand pianos.


Foundation Skills

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency. Detail on appropriate performance levels for each furnishing unit of competency in reading, writing, oral communication and numeracy utilising the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) are provided in the Furnishing Training Package Implementation Guide.


Range Statement

Specifies different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included. Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Unit context includes:

WHS requirements, including legislation, building codes, material safety management systems, hazardous and dangerous goods codes, and local safe operating procedures or equivalent

work is carried out in accordance with legislative obligations, environmental legislation, relevant health regulations, manual handling procedures and organisation insurance requirements

work requires individuals to demonstrate some discretion, judgement and problem solving

Customer requirements include:

level of playing required:

standard of pianist

time piano is used

environment

location of piano

pitch requirements

budget

Tools and equipment include:

pitch standard

tuning lever/hammer

temperament strip

mutes and wedges

tip wrench

tuning tips and heads

Procedures for dismantling piano include:

upright piano:

removal of top front board and fall board

lift lid

grand piano:

removal of fall board and music disk

lift lid

Correct posture includes:

standing or seated according to type of piano and height of individual

evenly distributing body weight between both feet while standing to reduce fatigue

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

Start notes include:

the note in the temperament octave that corresponds to the note tuned from the pitch standard

the first note tuned on piano from pitch standard generally accepted as being A49/C52 or corresponding notes one octave below, which are A37/C40

Pitch standards include:

piano

electronic keyboard

ETD

tuning fork

Interval checks include:

thirds, fourths, fifths, sixths, sevenths and tenths

Industry acceptable timeframe is:

up to 2 hours

Damages to the piano components include:

bent tuning pins

broken strings

elongated tuning pin holes

damaged bearings

Personal protective equipment includes:

that prescribed under legislation, regulations and enterprise policies and practices

Information and procedures include:

workplace procedures relating to the use of tools and equipment

work instructions, including job sheets, cutting lists, plans, drawings and designs

workplace procedures relating to reporting and communication

manufacturer specifications and operational procedures


Sectors

Piano Technology