Piano Technician

University of British Columbia•Vancouver, BC

23h•CA$44 - CA$47•Onsite

About The Position

The School of Music, a unit in the Faculty of Arts, is the largest school of its kind in Western Canada. The School has over 90 pianos, ranging from practice room instruments to concert hall grand pianos, and all these instruments are crucial in different ways to the educational, research, and artistic mission of the School. The position is responsible for the performance of professional and advanced precision and specialized work in the design and rebuilding of pianos of all makes, including the finest concert grand pianos for use by performing artists of international caliber. The position tunes, tests, calibrates, and maintains, pianos and related instruments. In addition, the position is responsible for providing evaluation and consultative services for the assessment and selection of new pianos and equipment.

Requirements

Graduation from a technical college or institute or completion of a recognized apprenticeship and a minimum five years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own
Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Nice To Haves

A highly-regarded professional reputation, including a record of successful work for major performing institutions and with international performing artists.
Skilled precision is required in all tasks, along with comprehensive technical knowledge of all differences in piano design and construction, from 1900 (or earlier) to the present.
Specialized knowledge, equipment, and instrumentation are required in adjusting the multi-component mechanisms; in testing and calibrating all aspects of mechanical function and acoustical vibration in instrument components and structures; and in designing and/or making new parts to address changing temperature and humidity conditions and mechanical wear or materials fatigue in instruments of diverse modern and historical design.
Thorough mastery and knowledge of the best practices, methods, and materials of professional piano maintenance, for all major piano makes and types.
Demonstrated refined aural discrimination, and a proven record of meeting technical and artistic standards at the international professional concert level.
Proven experience to tune pianos by ear to the highest standards, with knowledge and expertise in a range of relevant tuning systems.
Able to regulate and maintain all aspect of the piano mechanism to meet the needs and expectations of faculty members and visiting international artists.
Knowledgeable and experienced with the regulation and repair practices and protocols for all major brands of grand and upright pianos.
Experience working with computer hardware and software, internal memory systems, speaker systems, and other electronic equipment or components relevant to the most current tuning and maintenance practices, and to digital pianos.

Responsibilities

Designs and/or fabricates with precision new parts to address changing temperature and humidity conditions and mechanical wear or materials fatigue in instruments of diverse modern and historical design.
Evaluates new and historical pianos, and provides consultative services with respect to feasibility and/or alternatives in the selection of pianos and related instruments and equipment.
Adjusts the multi-component mechanisms; tests and calibrates all aspects of mechanical function and acoustical vibration in instrument components and structures.
Plans and carries out a schedule of tuning, regulation, voicing, preventive maintenance, and repair for the large fleet of grand pianos and upright pianos to meet the high degree of precision needed for professional teaching, practice and concert performance.
Selects, assesses, and orders parts (acoustical and electronic), and other required materials, tools and equipment, and maintains an adequate inventory, working within stipulated budget allocations.
Analyses and diagnoses mechanical and acoustical problems in pianos, and devises appropriate solutions to ensure they meet the highest standards of piano performance.
Advises the Keyboard Division faculty and the Director regarding major repairs or modifications required to ensure high-calibre performance of all pianos in the School.
Performs maintenance and repair work, including parts replacement and overhauls, on all pianos and similar musical equipment, commensurate with the tools and space provided by the University.
Implements and maintains safety requirements, in connection with all technical work, and in connection with the use of pianos by faculty, students, and staff.
Maintains detailed technical records of all piano repairs and modifications.
Carries out other related duties as required, in keeping with the qualifications and requirements of positions in this classification.