IN-SAFE-HANDS
KNOWLEDGE-COUNTS
NOT-JUST-TUNING
689x272rhino

COVID PIANO

The Corona Virus (COVID-19) is having a major impact throughout the world and that includes the world of music teachers and piano owners.
The Australasian Piano Tuners and Technicians Association makes the following recommendations.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has specific tips for preparation, protection and care. You can view this information at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/protect/index.html

General Recommendations - Special care should be taken when using disinfectant products on a piano.

• Generally speaking, a soft disposable towel, using warm water and hand/dish soap is safe to use on virtually every finish, key, and case parts.
Always follow up with a dry soft disposable towel to dry any standing liquid.

• Cleaning pianos is a gentle process not a scrubbing process. Pressing hard or vigorous scrubbing may lead to scratching or removing the finish.
Always proceed with caution and use common sense. Remember to wash your hands after you have thrown away the towels.

If using disinfectant products

• Use alcohol-based disinfectants, do not use bleach-based disinfectants or any product containing citrus.

• If using a spray or liquid bottle, use a disposable towel like WYPALL L30. Put the disinfectant on the towel and not the piano.

• After use, immediately put the towel or disinfectant hand wipe in the trash and wash your hands as the CDC recommends. Do not use reusable towels or cloths.

• Always follow up with a dry towel and never leave any liquids on the piano or keys.

Keys

The keys are the most important part. Generally speaking, most disinfecting wipes or sprays (see General Recommendations) should be safe to use on the keys.

Case Parts

Case parts finishes vary greatly and can be easily damaged by disinfectant wipes and sprays. A soft disposable towel, using warm water and hand/dish soap is safe to use on virtually every finish, key, and case parts. Always follow up with a dry soft disposable towel to dry any standing liquid.

Again, cleaning pianos is a gentle process not a scrubbing process. Pressing hard or vigorous scrubbing may lead to scratching or removing the finish. Always proceed with caution and use common sense. Remember to wash your hands after you have thrown away the towels or wipes.

ARPT Qualification

ARPT is the recognised qualification of an Australasian Registered Piano Technician. ARPT logo new

ARPT membership was introduced in 2006 and the qualification is only awarded to technicians who have passed a comprehensive assessment of their skills. Any person wishing to join the Association must pass the ARPT examination to gain full membership.

The examination consists of four sections:

A tuning assessment, good accuracy and stability are required.
A practical assessment of regulation and repair skills.
An oral assessment of the technician’s understanding of and approach to a range of grand and upright piano problems.
A comprehensive written assessment on a wide range of piano related general knowledge questions.

The exam is rigorous and may take up to 12 hours to complete and is administered by experienced ARPT members. The successful candidate is then permitted to use the letters ARPT in their advertising.

ARPT’s are professionals who have committed themselves to the continual pursuit of excellence in both technical service and ethical conduct and who continue to enhance their knowledge and skills through affiliation with other technicians, manufacturers, suppliers and associations.
Piano owners are encouraged to use technicians who have the ARPT accreditation noted on the membership lists as assurance of their underlying skills. Your piano is unique and an ARPT is able to evaluate your instrument and provide an appropriate maintenance program based on your individual needs.

All members of the APTTA are bound by a Code of Ethics.