SAQA 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.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

National Certificate: Piano Restoration 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
65510  National Certificate: Piano Restoration 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Piano Restoration and Tuning 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CATHSSETA - Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sports Education and Training Authority  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Certificate  Field 02 - Culture and Arts  Music 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  129  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Regular-Unit Stds Based 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 06120/18  2018-07-01  2023-06-30 
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 qualification replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
58010  National Certificate: Piano Restoration  Level 2  NQF Level 02  149  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

The acquisition of this qualification will directly contribute to employment for qualifying learners. Its purpose is therefore to contribute to the creation of more jobs, growth and development of the piano industry. It will further promote skills development in the piano industry with trained and qualified personnel that render a professional service to the public. It will form the basis for further training and development for related jobs such as backframing, regulating and tuning.

This is an entry-level Qualification within a career pathway for Piano Restoration and Tuning to NQF Level 5. The qualifying learner will apply an understanding of the acoustic piano and its functions in order to prepare for its repair and/or restoration. The core knowledge, skills and attitudes of this Qualification for the piano restoration workplace are aimed at both social and economic benefits for the learner and the broader community.

The learner assessed as competent against this Qualification will be able to:
  • Communicate in a variety of ways to achieve personal and organisational objectives.
  • Use mathematics and mathematical thinking to solve every day problems for him/herself, organisation and the community.
  • Knowledge/Theory of Music and Pianos.
  • Knowledge and skills for Piano restoration.
  • Personal development and life skills.

    Rationale:

    Currently there is no formally recognised education and training in Piano Restoration and Tuning in South Africa, although the industry is 111 years old. There is also no such training currently in Africa. The Pioneer School in Worcester used to offer such a course, however, this institution no longer offers this course. The current group of trained piano practitioners are to retire soon and therefore the current pool of trained practitioners needs to be replenished. There are approximately fifty trained piano tuners in South Africa. They find themselves performing all tasks and functions of the business, and are unable to cope with these demands.

    There are no standards in the industry currently. While there is an increase in the number of piano users and require related services, there is a decrease in the number of service providers. The lack of trained personnel limits and hampers expansion and development of the industry. Once such a qualification is registered, The National Council for the Blind also plans on offering training in this regard.

    This qualification is aimed at the unemployed, school leavers and physically challenged persons. Adult training and development will be a possibility and therefore provide further employment opportunity. The nature of the piano industry will promote and develop Entrepreneurs. Formal training in this industry will support the retention of trained personnel to choose a career in the piano industry.

    This will provide an entry-level qualification for the industry. The qualifying learners will perform all functions to repair and restore acoustic pianos under supervision. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It would be desirable for learners wishing to access this Qualification to be competent at:
  • Language and Communication at NQF Level 1.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 1.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    This Qualification and all the fundamental, core and elective Unit Standards associated with it as described in the rules of combination can be achieved by any learner through the recognition of prior learning, which includes learning outcomes achieved through formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience. The exit-level outcomes and the related Unit Standards may also be achieved through the recognition of prior learning.

    Access to the qualification:

    There are no access limitations on any learners or classes of learners for this Qualification, besides the recommendations in the learning assumptions outlined above. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualifying learner will achieve this Qualification by complying with the following rules of combination for the accumulation of credits:

    Learning component:
  • All Fundamental Unit Standards: 36 Credits.
  • All Core Unit Standards: 83 Credits.
  • Elective Unit Standards: 10 Credits.
  • Minimum Credits: 129 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Communicate in a variety of ways to achieve personal and organisational objectives.
    2. Use mathematics and mathematical thinking to solve every day problems for him/her and the organisation.
    3. Apply knowledge of music and pianos to restore and refurbish acoustic piano.
    4. Apply knowledge and skills of acoustic piano restoration and reconditioning.
    5. Provide support for the restoration and reconditioning of the acoustic piano.
    6. Apply life-skills for personal and organisational development. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1.
  • Oral communication is maintained and adapted to meet workplace and personal needs and expectations.
  • Texts are interpreted and responded to in writing in a range of contexts in Piano Restoration and Tuning.
  • Language and communication are used to interpret and respond to texts in occupational learning programmes.

    2.
  • Statistics, probability and probability models are used to solve a range of contextual problems.
  • Mathematical number systems, shape and motion analysis are used to solve a range of life related problems.
  • Mathematics is used to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal and community life.

    3.
  • The historical development and the functions of the parts of the acoustic piano is described according to the South African Piano industry.
  • Basic sight reading and keyboard skills are demonstrated in accordance with industry practice.
  • The workings of the human ear and the sound envelope are explained in relation to recognised industry references.
  • A basic public address system is connected and operated according to manufacturer's instructions.

    4.
  • The acoustic piano (Grand or Upright) is transported, packed, stored, cleaned and polished in accordance with organisational procedures and manufacturer's instructions.
  • Inspection report is compiled and evaluated to determine repair and restoration according to organisational procedures.
  • The acoustic piano (Grand or Upright) is dismantled and assembled under supervision as per organisational processes and procedures.
  • The action, keys and component materials of the acoustic piano is reconditioned or replaced in accordance with organisational procedures.

    5.
  • Team work is maintained to achieve the organisational goals in the provision of acoustic piano repair services.
  • Stock is counted and recorded to maintain required levels in accordance with organisational procedures.
  • Tools and equipment is cared for and used in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and the safety, health and environmental principles and procedures in the workplace.
  • The acoustic piano frame is prepare and covered using basic upholstery hand tools to meet organisational requirements.

    6.
  • A personal computer system is operated and maintained according to manufacturer's instructions and organisational procedures.
  • Basic first aid is applied and reports are completed in accordance with organisational processes and procedures.
  • Workplace inspections are conducted and risks or hazards are identified and reported according to legislation and workplace procedures.
  • Leadership techniques are applied to a specific group or team to meet organisational requirements.

    Integrated assessment:

    Integrated assessment at the level of Qualification provides an opportunity for learners to show that they are able to integrate concepts, ideas and actions across Unit Standards to achieve competence that is grounded and coherent in relation to the purpose of the Qualification. Integrated assessment should show how already demonstrated competence in individual areas can be linked and applied for the achievement of a holistic outcome as described in the exit level outcomes.

    Integrated assessment must judge the quality of the observable performance, and also the quality of the thinking that lies behind it. Assessment tools must encourage learners to give an account of the thinking and decision-making that underpin their demonstrated performance. Some assessment practices will demand practical evidence while others may be more theoretical, depending on the type of outcomes to be assessed. The ratio between action and interpretation is not fixed, but varies according to the demands of the particular exit level outcome of the Qualification.

    While the generic component (communication, mathematical literacy and supporting skills for piano restoration) of this Qualification at NQF Level 2 can be assessed through occupational contexts and activities relating to piano restoration and repair, care must be taken in both the learning programme and the assessment to ensure that these foundational skills are portable. The primary aim of this Qualification is to ensure that learners have a sound base of general education to prepare them for further learning, whatever career path they may choose. Learners must be able to transfer generic skills across a number of different contexts, and apply them within a number of learning areas.

    A broad range of task-orientated and theoretical assessment tools may be used, with the distinction between practical knowledge and disciplinary knowledge maintained so that each takes its rightful place. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The skills and knowledge required in piano restoration are generally passed on to apprentices or are gained through experience under expert guidance. Piano manufacturers offer in-house training for staff as well. The range of learning offerred includes e-learning, distance learning and full-time study.

    Best practice in piano tuning is found in the UK.

    UK:

    This qualification has been benchmarked against the United Kingdom (Qualifications and Curriculum Authority) vocationally related qualification, Level 2 Certificate in Classical Musical Instrument Technology (100/2628/9). This qualification was chosen because it is of similar duration and depth. Both qualifications are registered at level 2 on the respective frameworks.

    The United Kingdom approach however, includes other musical instruments like violin, guitar, woodwind and brass. These are areas of specialisation within the qualification and are therefore electives. While this National Certificate is a dedicated to the repair of one classical instrument, the acoustic piano (Upright and Grand), the QCA qualification caters for all groups of classical instruments. Furthermore, for the purpose of this comparison the Fundamental component of learning has not been included.

    The units of learning comprising these qualifications are presented in the table below with the hours of learning for each unit in brackets:

    Certificate: Classical Musical Instrument Technology (Piano Pathway) at Level 2:
  • K/101/6574; Piano; Chipping-Up (60).
  • M/101/6575; Piano; Rough Tuning (60).
  • J/101/6565; Health and Safety (30).
  • R/101/6567; Woodworking for musical Instrument makers (30).
  • Y/101/6568; Materials & their Application (30).
  • D/101/6569; History & Development of an Instrument (30).
  • T/101/6576; Piano; Action Repairs (60).
  • A/101/6577; Piano Case Finishing (60).

    National Certificate: Piano Restoration at NQF level 2:
  • 116520; Apply safety, health and environmental principles and procedures in the workplace (20).
  • 9879; Use and care for tools and equipment (10).
  • 117150;Cover prepared frame using basic upholstery hand tools (30).
  • Understand the development and mechanisms of the acoustic piano (40).
  • Recondition action and keys of acoustic piano (60).
  • Dismantle acoustic piano (80).
  • Inspect and record condition of acoustic piano (50).
  • Care for acoustic piano through repair and restore process (40).
  • 114891; Count stock for stock-take (50).
  • 8420; Operate in a team (40).
  • Basic keyboard skills (40).
  • Piano skills (15).
  • Understand basic sound technology (40).

    The shaded area in the table above shows the extent of similarity between these qualifications. This close similarity extends over 6 units. These units are also similar in assigned hours of learning to achieving competence for the award of credits. The following learning areas reflect the overlap between these qualifications:
  • Health and safety.
  • Tools and materials.
  • History and development.
  • Recondition action and keys.
  • Dismantle and finish piano.

    The remaining 2 units of the QCA qualification relate to the tuning of acoustic pianos and is catered for in another qualification in the same learning pathway at NQF level 4. These are:
  • Piano chipping up.
  • Piano rough tuning.

    The remaining 7 unit standards of the National Certificate in Piano Restoration cater for the development of the learner to successfully function in the South African piano industry. They will provide the learner with workplace skills and knowledge to apply business processes, including:
  • Inspect and record piano condition.
  • Piano care.
  • Stock take.
  • Teamwork.
  • Sound technology.
  • Keyboard and piano skills.

    Global training:

    Piano tuner's super home study course is an institution that offers correspondence courses in piano tuning globally. The training covers the following competncies:
  • Special Supplement: Marketing Piano Basics.
  • Tuning Basics.
  • Interval Tuning.
  • How to Tune A Piano.
  • Advanced Tuning Techniques.
  • Electronic Tuning.
  • Piano repairs Introduction, general repairs, hammer reconditioning and replacement, speciality repairs.
  • Business management.

    USA and Canada:
  • Randy Potter School of Piano Technology offers training in over 70 countries.
  • The American School of Piano Tuning offers correspondence courses globally.

    Offer short and full courses in piano tuning. The courses cover the following competencies:
  • Introduction to Pianos.
  • Types of pianos.
  • Unison tuning.
  • Octave tuning.
  • Equal temperament.
  • The trable section.
  • Piaano regulations.
  • Piano repairs.
  • Flange bushing and key repairs.
  • Special repairs.
  • Business management.

    Argentina:

    Escuela de Tecnología Pianística de Buenos Aires.

    The school offers training in piano tuning, piano repairs and piano regulation with the following competencies:
  • Piano tuning; History of pianos, schools building pianos, parts of pianos, introduction to piano pitch, tools used in pianos, preparation for piano tuning, measuring musical intervals, temperament and detecting and correcting errors, hydraulic press conformation.
  • Piano repairs; Measurements and scales, structure and mechanisms of the grand piano, health and safety, damage assessment techniques, dismantling and assembling pianos, piano repairs and business marketing skills.
  • Piano regulation; tools identification and knowledge, tools regulatory mechanisms, hammers, conformation, tone/intonation/voicing and sound evaluation and correction, technical draft black keys - regulation catch and general procedure for the regulation and detailed mechanism piano.

    Germany:

    Oscar-Walcker-schule Ludwigsburg offers piano tuning courses. Unfortunately no comparability could be established because the courses and all information is in Germany.

    Conclusion:

    While National Certificate in Piano Restoration has been designed to develop the whole individual, the competencies are similar to both the short courses and full qualifications offered internationally. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Vertical articulation is possible with:
  • 58143: National Certificate: Music Practice, NQF Level 3.
  • 58011: National Certificate: Acoustic Piano Back-framing, NQF Level 3.

    Examples for horizontal articulation with this qualification are:
  • 57881: National Certificate: Welding Application and Practice, NQF Level 2.
  • 21014: National Certificate: Metal and Engineering Manufacturing, NQF Level 2. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this Qualification must be accredited by the relevant ETQA.
  • External Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA at its discretion.
  • The accredited Training Provider will oversee internal Moderation of assessment.
  • Moderation should encompass achievement of competence described in both individual Unit Standards as well as the integrated competence described in the Qualification.
  • Moderation must also encompass achievement of the competencies described in the exit level outcomes described above. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
  • Assessors must be registered as assessors with a relevant ETQA or an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessors must be in possession of a Qualification in Piano Restoration and Tuning or a related sub-field in Culture and Arts at a minimum of NQF Level 3. 
    		•

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

    NOTES 
    This qualification replaces qualification 58010, "National Certificate: Piano Restoration", Level 2, 149 credits. 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  243309  Care for the acoustic piano  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Core  114891  Count stock for a stock-take  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Core  117150  Cover prepared frame using basic upholstery hand tools  Level 2  NQF Level 02  32 
    Core  243311  Dismantle acoustic piano  Level 2  NQF Level 02  8 
    Core  243307  Inspect and record the condition of the acoustic piano  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Core  243312  Recondition action and keys of the acoustic piano  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6 
    Core  243304  Understand the development and mechanisms of the acoustic piano  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Core  9879  Use and care for tools and equipment  Level 2  NQF Level 02  10 
    Core  259604  Verify compliance to safety, health and environmental requirements in the workplace  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Core  13912  Apply knowledge of self and team in order to develop a plan to enhance team performance  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  119463  Access and use information from texts  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Fundamental  9009  Apply basic knowledge of statistics and probability to influence the use of data and procedures in order to investigate life related problems  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Fundamental  7480  Demonstrate understanding of rational and irrational numbers and number systems  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Fundamental  9008  Identify, describe, compare, classify, explore shape and motion in 2-and 3-dimensional shapes in different contexts  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Fundamental  119454  Maintain and adapt oral/signed communication  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Fundamental  119460  Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Fundamental  7469  Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal and community life  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Fundamental  9007  Work with a range of patterns and functions and solve problems  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Fundamental  119456  Write/present for a defined context  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Elective  117867  Managing files in a Graphical User Interface (GUI) environment  Level 1  NQF Level 01  3 
    Elective  116932  Operate a personal computer system  Level 1  NQF Level 01  3 
    Elective  117902  Use generic functions in a Graphical User Interface (GUI)-environment  Level 1  NQF Level 01  4 
    Elective  243323  Acquire and apply basic keyboard skills  Level 2  NQF Level 02  8 
    Elective  259619  Conduct workplace Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) inspections  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Elective  244608  Demonstrate ability to lead a team or group  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Elective  243322  Develop basic practical instrument ability  Level 2  NQF Level 02  15 
    Elective  12483  Perform basic first aid  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Elective  119753  Perform basic welding/joining of metals  Level 2  NQF Level 02  8 
    Elective  114508  Pack equipment, material and tools  Level 3  NQF Level 03  7 


    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced qualification.
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    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.