This field trip is intended to provide a unique look at the construction of the world's finest piano, Steinway, at their factory in New York City. Unlike their colleagues in the instrumental world, pianists are at a distinct disadvantage when it comes to knowing and understanding the design philosophy and execution of a piano's design. The complexities of the instrument are a barrier for most pianists, and it creates a unique reliance upon a professional piano technician to service and tune their instrument. Students who aspire to become professional pianists need to immerse themselves in piano technology in order to inform their playing, as well as to learn to communicate with their own piano technician. The factory tour is a first step in that immersion experience. Past students who have experienced the factory tour in conjunction with the Intro to Piano Technology class taught by me at the SMTD have expressed how their entire attitude and approach to playing has been transformed. Knowing how the keyboard action is constructed, for example, explains how the feel of individual pianos varies from piano to piano. This is an important factor for a pianist when choosing an instrument for performance, in competition, or as a personal choice during the purchasing process. Learning about the three majors schools of tone currently favored by piano builders around the world gives a pianist an appreciation for the history and development of piano tone.
European, American and Asian tone are all different, and their roots are in the histories of music for each region that gave them birth. This can influence the choice of instrument for specific types of piano literature. Steinway is the pre-eminent representative of the American tonal model, the most prevalent in schools and conservatories in the United States, including at the SMTD. Learning about the historical role that Steinway played in creating the American model gives rise to possibilities for appreciating the approaches of the Europeans and the Asians. When a pianist finds out that pianos continue to evolve and change, the stereotype of pianos as static and unchanging is swept away, and leads to a renewed sense of awe and possibilities. In its heyday, during the Industrial Revolutions of Europe and the United States, the piano was considered the most technologically advanced hand-built item in the world. Steinway grew in its pre-eminence as a result of its contributions to the manufacturing environment in the United States. It is fitting that we go there to open our eyes and widen our perspective, investigating up close how an old technology continues to fit in our lives through continuing innovation while cleaving to the past.