Pianos

To the Editors of the Crimson:

A few notes on the piano situation at Paine Hall.

1) As it is reflected in the current composition of the Grand last, a "serious" attitude towards piano playing is equated with being an advanced piano student. Now while it may be true that many (although certainly not all) advanced pianists are dedicated to their studies it is equally true that many beginning and intermediate students are just as equally dedicated and "serious." Since everyone benefits most from playing a well-tuned, responsive instrument, it seems fair that if a Grand List should be maintained at all, it should reflect more than just the number of years that a student has been studying.

2) Non-Grand List students are not allowed to play on the grands at any time, even if one is available. As a result, such a student must often sit idle while a perfectly good piano lies unused, or must watch a Grand List student who has arrived after him begin to practice before him. Not only is this unfair, but it prohibits non-Grand List students from ever using Paine Hall's best pianos.

3) By allowing non-pianists to practice in rooms containing pianos, precious "piano-hours" are being wasted. Suitable, alternate practice facilities should be provided for non-pianists.

4) At least four Paine Hall grand pianos lie in disuse for much of the day, all of the afternoon, and all of the evening because they are located in locked classrooms. Arrangements should be made to allow students to use these pianos when they are not being used for teaching.

Although it does seem clear that in the long run, the best solution will be for the University to purchase more pianos, this should not prevent the most efficient and equitable use of Paine Hall's currently, available facilities. Barry Kornblau '87