Piano Use Policies

Here you will find information on piano use, service requests, special requirements for performances, and piano moving policies. All pianos are maintained on a priority rotation. Concert pianos are the top priority and receive frequent tuning and service.

Piano Handling/Moving in Recital/Concert Halls (Concert Pianos Only)

  • A minimum of two people is required to move a concert piano on and off stage, except for piano technicians and other authorized faculty or staff members.
  • Pianos must be covered with a cover during moving.
  • All concert pianos must be covered after each use.
  • Pianos must be returned to the backstage/piano garage unless instructed otherwise by the technical crew after each usage.
  • When not using a piano cover, neatly fold it and set it on a chair or a table. Never put it on the floor.
  • Where applicable, lock casters when opening and closing the lid. The two newer concert pianos have friction-free casters.

OPENING AND CLOSING THE LID WITHOUT LOCKING CASTERS MAY CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY AND PIANO DAMAGE.

Piano Use Policy for Practice Rooms, Classrooms, and Rehearsal Spaces

  • Help keep the pianos clean. Wash your hands and avoid using hand lotion when playing the piano.
  • Never leave trash near or inside a piano. Put all trash or recycling in appropriate containers.
  • Pianos are expensive to repair. Please help minimize these expenses by proper piano use and care to ensure that you and your colleagues have nice pianos to use.

General Rules (All Pianos)

  • No food or drinks, including those in closed containers, are permitted anywhere near or on the pianos.
  • Pianos are NOT tables. Do not put anything on top of the piano lids, such as bags, instrument cases, coats, and food or drink containers.

Special Use of Concert Pianos, Required Authorization

Students and faculty and visiting artists must sign the digital Piano Special Use & Safety Agreement before performing extended techniques or removing a piano lid.

https://uwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2ttHMnjdLZcqUpo

Extended Techniques / Prepared Piano

  • Extended techniques, including plucking, muting, striking strings, or placing objects inside the piano, must be performed only on pianos designated for these purposes.
  • Follow the “Protocol for Extended Techniques Piano Performance” before use.

Lid Removal

Required Authorization All students and faculty must sign the digital Piano Special Use & Safety Agreement before removing a piano lid. This ensures they have read the safety protocols and acknowledge the risks involved.

https://uwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2ttHMnjdLZcqUpo

Lid Removal Protocol

  • Personnel: Piano lids must be lifted or replaced by at least two people, with three recommended for safety.
  • Training: Students who wish to remove a piano lid must contact the Piano Shop ahead of time to arrange proper training. Students may not attempt lid removal on their own without prior instruction.
  • Piano Majors: Piano major students involved in performance or rehearsal are encouraged to practice lid removal under faculty or staff supervision as part of their training to ensure they are prepared for rehearsals when staff is unavailable.
  • Staff Support: For sponsored concerts or official events, the performance technical crew will handle lid removal when schedules and staff availability allow.
  • Rehearsals: For rehearsals (especially those occurring in the evenings or on weekends), the piano technician or technical crew may not be present. Students must ensure they have received the necessary training and are prepared to follow proper procedures safely with a partner.
  • Safety Warning: Opening and closing the lid without locking casters (where applicable) may cause personal injury and piano damage. Always ensure the instrument is stable before beginning the process.

Piano Service Request

A QR code is posted in each bay of practice rooms in the Humanities Building, as well as in rehearsal halls and classrooms. Please use that QR code to request that a piano be tuned or to communicate any issues with a piano.

Planning & Contact

  • All special use requests must be submitted at least two weeks in advance.
  • Contact the Piano Shop or designated staff before performing extended techniques, preparing a piano, or requesting lid removal. Requests submitted without sufficient notice may not be accommodated.
  • For other piano services or any questions, reach out: UW Piano Shop Rm. 1501 Humanities Building baoliliu@wisc.edu 608-263-1887


Keywords:
concert piano, piano usage policy, extended techniques, prepared piano, piano lid removal, instrument modification, piano shop, safety agreement, QR code, tuning, maintenance facilities 
Doc ID:
116275
Owned by:
Ben B. in Mead Witter School of Music
Created:
2022-01-25
Updated:
2026-04-10
Sites:
Mead Witter School of Music
Clean URL:
https://kb.wisc.edu/mwsomkb/facilities-piano-use-policies