Please join us for a casual group class that explores the “prepared piano”, a special process of preparing a solo acoustic piano with various metal, rubber and plastic materials on and in between the strings of the piano that creates new sonic possibilities for the instrument.

Intended for those interested in crafting, woodworking, construction, engineering, art installation, music and the piano, experimental art, or simply those that would like to passively observe, this event is open to all. Hands-on experimentation with the preparations and the instrument are welcome and encouraged. Attendees may work alone, in pairs or in groups, as desired. Attendees will also have plenty of time to ask specific questions, as desired.

Created by Shi-An Costello and presented in partnership with Experimental Sound Studio, the workshop runs monthly, and offers the resource of a different invited guest each month to provide guidance and experiential knowledge in piano performance and technology to participants, if desired. Participants are welcome to try new ideas out, ask questions, or talk out new ideas communally and with the guest expert.

This first session will feature the complete 1948 piano preparation of John Cage’s Sonatas and Interludes for Prepared Piano, and will feature guest pianist Adam Tendler, in advance of his performance the following evening on February 2nd, at Constellation. Tickets and more info about Tendler’s performance and his Inheritances project can be found here. Attendees are welcome to explore other ideas outside of the John Cage setup as well.

The workshop event will run app. 90 minutes.
Tickets are Pay-What-You-Can, $5.00 minimum. RSVP is required.
Doors open at 1:30pm. Event starts promptly at 2:00pm.

Participants under the age of 21 are welcome; Parent or guardian accompaniment is recommended.

This series is funded in part by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.