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Two Piano Power

11/23/2015

1 Comment

 
On Sunday, November 22 several Piano Prodigies students attended a performance by pianists Philip Liston-Kraft and Dan Weiser at Dartmouth College. This program was appropriately titled "Two Piano Power" and demonstrated both the solo and collaborative exquisite artistry and acrobatic technique of the two pianists. What a treat!
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From left: Dan Weiser, Elizabeth Borowsky, Piano Prodigies students, and Philip Liston-Kraft
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Oh Snap! Replacing a Broken String

11/16/2015

2 Comments

 
During a lesson last Wednesday, I was demonstrating a passage for a student (a quiet, peaceful one, mind you) when a loud "pop" caused me to stop abruptly. I timidly played the note again, and hearing a metallic plunk, I let out a soft groan. Sure enough, peering into the piano I saw the broken string (A#-6). 

The good news: entirely fixable and I knew who to call. I was in need of a piano technician to tune my instruments after the move. I was referred to Pamela Ely - a wonderful piano technician who lives in nearby Etna (visit her website here: ​http://etnapianos.com/biography).

So, on Wednesday night, I sent Pamela a quick message to ask about her availability and was thrilled to receive a near-instant response. She could come in on Friday.
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Removing the broken string
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Numbers indicate strings size and sizing goes from right to left. Can you spot the missing string?
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Tools of the piano technician trade (specifically for string replacement)
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Micrometer - used for measuring piano wire. It struck me that piano strings are essentially tightly stretched wire of various lengths and thicknesses!
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Tightening the coil on the new string
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Felt is used to "stop" the new string. It takes a few weeks for it to stretch out, and in the meantime, there would be considerable dissonance between the strings used for the same pitch.
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Tuning the new string
Excerpt from http://www.piano.christophersmit.com/strings.html: 
The treble pitches have three unison strings, the tenor range uses two unison strings, and the bass strings use only one string. The end result is that for 88 notes, there can be as many as 236 strings. Each string has a tension of 160-200 pounds, resulting in a total string tension of 35,000 pounds!
2 Comments

    About

    Elizabeth Borowsky is a pianist, teacher, and composer. She is a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music in Piano (Music Teachers National Association).

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I can honestly give Elizabeth the credit for keeping my girls interested in piano lessons. All parents know about those transitional periods kids go through from Elementary school into the Middle school and High school years. Interests shift unless the lesson/subject is fresh. I find this applies to adults, too! Elizabeth grew up on the piano. She has the training, talent, expertise and passion to properly teach students. I have personally watched her develop her teaching skills. Her amazing personality keeps students focused, interested and learning. She's fun, loving, adorable and all around fantastic at what she does and who she is. - Lisa

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  • About
    • Elizabeth Borowsky
    • Program Philosophy
    • FAQs
    • Family Tree
    • Testimonials
    • Student Videos
  • Lessons/Consults
    • Policies >
      • Blog
    • Tuition
    • Performance Coaching
    • Chamber Music
    • Online Lessons
  • Resources
    • 100 Solos for Piano Prodigies
    • Theory Links
    • Practice Tips
    • Composing
    • Shopping Links
    • Festivals & Competitions
    • Favorite Links
  • Contact
    • Contact
    • Directions