Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the competency to demonstrate all the procedures in the regulation of actions, keys and pedals of grand pianos.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to the skills and knowledge required to regulate grand piano actions, keys and pedals and may include carrying out a series of adjustments to ensure optimum performance of the piano. The unit applies in a workplace and onsite environment and may be conducted in a small to large scale enterprise.

The type of work tasks performed when relating upright pianos may include alignment of: action rail, hammer running, wippen and jack to roller; and a series of related adjustments.

Prerequisite units 

Nil

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Plan and prepare for work

1.1. OHS 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 workflow, co-ordination, personnel co-operation and safety throughout the application of this competency.

1.4. Written instructions are followed.

2. Prepare, measure and assess

2.1. Correct posture  for regulating is demonstrated which minimizes fatigue and promotes muscular control

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

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

2.4. Personal protective equipment  is correctly fitted and used

2.5. Set trial regulation standards to determine correct action operation

2.6. Check and re-adjust as required

3. Align action components

3.1. Alignment of action rail is checked and adjusted

3.2. Hammer running alignment and angling is adjusted

3.3. Wippen alignment procedures are performed

3.4. Bed action to key frame and key frame to key bed

4. Regulate keys

4.1. Keys are levelled, squared and spaced according to industry specifications

4.2. Key depth is adjusted

5. Regulate action

5.1. Jack to roller alignment and repetition lever height is adjusted

5.2. Striking distance is adjusted to industry specifications

5.3. Let off is adjusted

5.4. Checking distance is adjusted

5.5. Repetition spring adjusted

5.6. Hammer drop adjusted

5.7. Dampers are regulated  to industry specifications

6. Regulate pedals

6.1. Sustain pedal adjusted with slight lost motion

6.2. Sostenuto pedal operations adjusted as per industry specification

6.3. Una-corda pedal adjusted to industry specification

7. Final check and inspection

7.1. Grand piano is inspected for playability and performance

7.2. Adjustments to action and pedals as required

8. Clean up

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

8.2. Work area is cleared and waste removed

8.3. Workplace documentation  is completed and filed

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• read and understand documentation
• identify team performance required to meet customer needs
• use pre-checking and inspection techniques to anticipate problems and identify tools or equipment faults and take appropriate action
• show independence and initiative in making decisions
• plan and organize activities to avoid any backtracking, workflow interruptions, re-work or wastage, including preparation and layout of the worksite and selection of tools and equipment
• prioritise own work to meet customer requirements regarding completion time
• adapt to new skill requirements
• use workplace technology related to piano technology, including specified tools, equipment, calculators and measuring devices for piano tuning and repair

Required knowledge 

• State or Territory OHS legislation, regulations, standards and codes of practice relevant to the full range of processes for regulating grand piano actions, keys and pedals
• organisational and site standards, requirements, policies and procedures for regulating grand piano actions, keys and pedals
• 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 regulating
• 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 regulating actions, keys and pedals
• storage systems and labelling
• procedures for the recording, reporting and maintenance of workplace records and information
• appropriate mathematical procedures for estimation and measurement

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

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 regulate grand piano actions, keys and pedals
• Identify tools and equipment used in regulating actions, keys and pedals
• Select, set up and maintain equipment in accordance with manufacturer specifications and workplace practices
• Regulate a minimum of three actions, keys and pedals in 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

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).

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

Tools and equipment may include :

Capstan regulator, set off regulator, touch/dip block, rule, regulating buttons, drop screw driver, spring bender, casting lamp, hammer flange spacer, key easing pliers, wire bender, screw driver

Personal protective equipment may include :

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

Regulation of dampers may include :

• Damper lift
• Damper stop rail
• Damper travel
• Alignment to strings
• Damper spacing
• Damper guide bushings

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

Competency field 

Co-requisite units