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WORKSHOPS & LECTURES
A year ago a concert pianist requested I be present at her recording session. She was recording Chopin’s 12 Etudes op.25 and Liszt 6 Grand Etudes of Paganini. Besides the recording engineer and her personal coach, she wanted me to attend to make sure the piano’s sound and pitch would stay consistent throughout the entire two day session.
The recording studio had a beautiful Steinway & Sons Hamburg D with a wonderful resonating tone. However, all pianos have their quirks and as the pianist proceeded to record I continually had to enter the recording room to adjust a noise, a touch, a squeak, a string, a screw.
The pianist did not miss a thing and I was surprised at how sensitive she was to the slightest shift in the piano’s action. But, as I continued to correct the small problems that arose, I realized that although she had played the piano since she was two, and knew every intricacy in Chopin’s Etudes she had absolutely no understanding as to how the instrument, she has devoted her life to, functions.
The recording turned out beautifully and the pianist flew off to England to perform with the London Philharmonic. I on the other hand decided that it would benefit both the pianist and his or her tuner if the pianist had a better understanding of the mechanics of his instrument. After all, if you know your piano, you can treat and control it better, and make it perform exactly according to your wishes.
The Piano Tuning Workshop is a hands on workshop I developed for pianists of all levels who would like to be able to keep their unisons in tune during the “long” months between professional tunings. The Art of Voicing and Inside the Piano are lectures for the novice and the accomplished pianists as well as for piano lovers, who would like to become familiar with this marvelous instrument.
If you are interested in the lectures, or the workshop please contact us at wooodstockpianos@aol.com
PIANO TUNING WORKSHOPS
TUNING 1
A hands on tuning workshop for pianists of all levels. The course includes an introduction to the basic mechanics of the piano including action, pinblock, tuning pins and strings. Students will learn tuning technique; how to use a tuning hammer, how to set tuning pins and wires, how to listen for, and recognize correct string vibration for all intervals, and how to tune unisons. Pianos are provided for practice.
The course is limited to 6 participants.
6 session, 10am-4pm, $390. For schedule contact us at woodstockpianos@aol.com
LECTURES
“The Art of Voicing”
In a recent issue of Popular Science, the piano was named the most complicated machine ever built. “The only thing that might trump it is the modern Formula 1 race car, but…the concert grand probably has the edge.”
Making a piano takes hundred of hours and the dedication of many skilled technicians. They must wrestle the case in to shape, then form, expertly taper, and press the soundboard. They must notch bridges and carefully lower the iron cast plate into the case. Stringers must accurately string wires through tuning pins. Master technicians diligently regulate flanges, shanks, hammers, repetitions, backchecks, dampers, underlevers and keys, with the help of hundreds of screws, to create flawless actions.
What makes a wonderful instrument? What creates the special timbre pianists search for? Master voicer, Israel Schossev and pianist ( TBA) will delve into the puzzling field of voicing. Together they will explore the piano’s intricate mechanism and complex sound production. They will focus on the shape and texture of the hammers and will demonstrate how reshaping and subtle adjustment of the hammers can shift the tone from mellow to bright. Hammer by hammer, string by string they will attempt to find “The Perfect Sound”
“Inside the Piano”
As a pianist, you practice. Your fingers run up and down the white and black keys. You search for the perfect interpretation. You apply your mind to create the right touch. You practice piano and forte. You coordinate your foot with the pedal for that extra feeling. And finally, after many joyful hours beautiful melodies flow from the big wooden box.
But how does the piano do it? What is inside the big wooden box that makes the beautiful sounds? What happens when you press the keys? What happens when you push down the pedal? Why do pianos sound different from one another?
Israel Schossev, veteran Steinway & Sons master piano technician, will unlock the mysteries of the big wood box. He will show how many different parts of the piano work together to create one of the most magnificent instruments ever built.
The lectures are available to any one interested in learning something about the piano. For further information and schedule please contact us.
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“It was great learning about the different types of hammers, holding the hammers in our hand, to see and hear what happens during the process of voicing, and learn what happens when pianos go out of tune. The presentation was detailed without being talky or boring. I’m sure our members took something away with them which they didn’t know before. I warmly recommend this presentation to anyone interested in learning more about the piano!”
—George Bryant, Rockland County (NY) Music Teacher Guild
“I cannot believe the difference in the feel of my piano now. Leaner, cleaner, and more responsive.”
—John Lampkin, pianist & composer
“Israel gave the piano a real personality! The students and parents loved hearing and seeing his fine explanations and demonstrations of what goes on inside that big wooden box. Israel’s love for the instrument inspired young and old alike, and made it a splendid “happening”!
— Barabara Zimet, pianist, teacher
“I could say more…About Israel’s ear? Sensitivity to tuning, his desire to please customers, the time and care he takes…My Steinway possesses the most exquisite touch because of the masterful work of Israel Schossev. On it I can tackle the most technically demanding repertoire with ease.”
—Virginia Perry Lamb, Manhattan School of Music
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