How Did the Piano Make That Sound?
A Treasure Hunt on How Did the Piano Make That Sound?

created by Catherine A. Galie
Our Lady of Grace School

Introduction | The Questions | Internet Resources

Introduction
Surf's up! Grab your brain and head for the further reaches of cyberspace. In using this web page you can learn about aspects of music and sound, especially in the area of the acoustic piano. Each activity asks you to research information from the web sites already there and fill in the answers you find. Some questions require you to do more reading and searching than others do. This activity may be done alone or with a partner. Complete all of the questions.

Questions
  1. 1. What human element changes the speed or release of a key on the piano?
    2. Does the key itself make the sound on the piano?
    3. Are there more than 8 parts to the piano action?



  2. 4. What part vibrates inside the piano to make a sound?
    5. What part does the piano tuner need to change to make a piano sound at A440?
    6. What is the part called inside the piano that 'stops' the sound?



  3. 7. When you play a song on the piano, should all the wave lengths look the same/
    8. In what area of science would the study of sound be found?



  4. 9. Who is credited with making the first grand piano in 1722?
    10. What is the date of the John Broadwood and Son grand piano that Haydn wrote some of his piano music on?
    11. What is the name of the piano made by Andre' Stein that is also the same name as an animal?



  5. 12. What is placed in the player piano that moves and makes the keys go up and down?
    13. What are the two parts needed to make a sound happen in a player piano?
    14. What is the year that the first pianola was made?



  6. 15. What is the net weight (in pounds) of a 'D' model grand piano? (Think technically)
    16. What is the large wooden diaphragm with a large wooden bridge attached called?
    17. How much does the iron plate weigh (think pounds)that is fitted into the case? (Think Technically again)





The Internet Resources

The Big Question
While exploring this sampler it is hoped that you have had fun and learned something new about acoustic piano's. There is a lot more information at each of the sites so you can go back and explore more to expand your knowlegde of music and sound, especially coming from acoustic piano's.




created by Filamentality Content by Catherine A. Galie, cagalie@olg1.org
http://www.kn.att.com/wired/fil/pages/hunthowdidca.html
Last revised Sun Oct 7 14:13:59 US/Pacific 2007