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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Understand the theory of piano tuning and regulation 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
264862  Understand the theory of piano tuning and regulation 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Piano Restoration and Tuning 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 02 - Culture and Arts Music 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 
2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This Unit Standard forms part of the qualification National Certificate: Piano Technology, NQF Level 4. This Unit Standard will serve to introduce the learner to the history and theory of piano regulation. It will equip the learner with a basic understanding of the evolution of pianos (Grand Piano or Upright Piano). Furthermore, a basic knowledge of care material and equipment relating to regulating of acoustic piano will be gained.

Learners accredited with this Unit Standard will be capable of:
  • Understanding the different pitch standards.
  • Demonstrating an understanding of methods of acoustic piano regulation.
  • Demonstrating an understanding of basic intervals.
  • Naming and understanding the use of various materials used in piano regulation.
  • Understanding piano reaction to changes in climatic condition. 

  • LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that a learner will be competent in:
  • Communication Skill at NQF Level 2 or equivalent.
  • Mathematical Literacy, NQF Level 2 or equivalent. 

  • UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
  • Performance of all elements is to be carried out in accordance with industry standards and organisation standards and procedures, unless otherwise stated. Organisation standards and procedures may cover: Quality assurance, standard operational procedures, communication, health and safety, and personal behaviour.
  • All activities must comply with any policies, procedures and requirements of the organisations involved, the ethical codes of relevant professional bodies and any relevant legislative and/or regulatory requirements. 

  • Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Understand the different pitch standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Origins of different pitches are identified in terms of historical time periods and methodologies. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Different pitch standards are identified and classified in a tabular form. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate an understanding of methods of acoustic piano regulation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Damper regulation is explained in terms of the operating theory and principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Hammer action is described in terms of how it works and the effects achieved. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Key bed regulation is explained in terms of how it works and the effects achieved. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Pedal system regulation is explained in terms of how it works and the effects achieved. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the basic intervals. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Intervals are explained according to industry standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The chromatic scales are explained according to industry standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The diatonic scales are explained as per piano industry standards. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Name and understand the use of various materials used in piano regulation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Different material used in key bed regulation are named and described in terms of their purpose. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Measurement and texture of material used in regulation of acoustic piano are identified in relation to their purpose for a specific requirement. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Material used in the damper system is identified in relation to its purpose for a required effect. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Material used in the pedal system is identified in relation to its purpose for a required effect. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Describe piano reaction to changes in climatic condition. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The effect of a change in humidity is described in terms of the impact on a piano. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    To the effect of a change in temperature is described in terms of the impact on a piano. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Equipment used in controlling humidity in pianos is described in terms of how it is used to achieve the required results. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Any individual wishing to be assessed, (including RPL) against this Unit Standard may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution accredited by the relevant ETQA, or an ETQA that has a memorandum of understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this Unit Standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA, or an ETQA that has a memorandum of understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this Unit Standard must hold a minimum of level 5 qualification in the piano restoration field.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this US or assessing this US must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA, or an ETQA that has a memorandum of understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and ETQA guidelines. 

  • UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Embedded knowledge underpinning this unit standard is:
  • Piano components.
  • Different pitches.
  • Methods of regulation of a piano.
  • Scales and intervals.
  • Different materials used in piano regulation.
  • The effects of changes in climatic conditions. 

  • UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in a responsible manner using critical and creative thinking based on the piano regulation theory. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as member of the team when equipping oneself with the understanding and knowledge of piano evolution and theory. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly while carrying out the various aspects in regulating an acoustic piano. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively with colleagues and other team members in the understanding of piano theory. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  67354   Further Education and Training Certificate: Piano Technology  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2023-06-30  CATHSSETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 



    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.