Documentary Australia Foundation

88 Logic- The History of music- The piano

About the film

The need for this DVD and book on the history of the piano is significant to the future of the piano. It is not widely understood how the piano came about in its completed form of 88 keys.

The piano is a very central part of music as a whole and carries hundreds of years of culture and is paramount in the development of contempary music. A product showcasing the ingenuity, the intellectual property, innovation and advances surrounding the piano proves the invention of the piano is constantly developing. This program although centred around the invention of the mechanics of the piano link directly to how innovations of the piano continue and how methods such as 88 logic- The Mackay Method are built to provide insights to the marvel of music as a process of engineering in contrast to audio engaged techniques.

The program in itself also is the basis of a research project for the 88 logic series and will enable the continuing of the 88 logic program to assist future learners of the piano. Due to the ever changing way that piano is bringing digital technology to the forefront of learning music, history and the future needs to be documented.

Total Project Budget

AUD $120,000

Length of Production

45 minutes

Stage of Production

Development

How does the project meet the aims of a philanthropic foundation?

This project not only celebrates the gift of music and education, but it draws in the collaboration of engineering, culture, science and imagination. So many throught processes, patents, ideas and innovations have contributed to the pianos creation from all over the world. The project not only goes to the past evolution of how the piano came about, but it expands on the reasons why the piano ended up with 88 keys, what the inventors reasons where to build it, the motivations and the passions which brought it into life. It educates the veiwers with 3d mechancs of the inventions and how trail and error and the never giving up mentality assisted in making the piano known to all.

The project comprises into 2 parts, the history and the future as the evolution of the piano into the digital age continues and how the many methods to playing the piano all work together in the effect or recreational enjoyment. This series doesn't just explain the piano as the catalyst for music, rather explores how the combination of science and engineering, moving parts and invention created music and why humans are drawn to it.

It meets the requirements of bringing the arts to life in an educational and quanititave research process.

What outcomes do you hope to achieve by making this film and how will you measure its impact?

At present, I have a piano program selling into libraries. The current project whilst holding 2d references to learning and how pianos are made doesn't explain nor celebrate the complete genius of the piano and its conception. The completed product will be measured within its sale and absorption into schools, universities and libraries with the supported piano program to further give a platform for people to learn more about the piano and start enjoying lessons.

With my network of library suppliers and contacts, I will measure the impact of the DVD through the hits to our website where we will have videos and contacts of piano suppliers, subscribers to updates of piano product development and a section for learners.

The program will also be available to television stations, and retailers.

What is your education and outreach strategy

After the project has been completed, I as the host will be marketing to libraries and schools giving out information on the product for use in the class room. The DVD has the potential to have a book made from all of the material and sheet music as the supporting product exists for learners. THe fact that so much engineering ingenuity has gone into the development of the piano, physics and engineering students will be able to benefit from the DVD's 3d models and reports to gain insights into mechanics.

Who are the filmmakers responsible for the project?

Joshua Swain from Texas360 films. Joshua has over 16 years experience in short films and commercial television. Joshua has won a silver production award for his filming of the first piano DVD developed which is the template for this project in 2006. Joshua has a crew of 10 subcontractors with his business Texas360 films. Joshua and Stephen Mackay have developed a piano series titled 88 logic.

Stephen Mackay is the host and main writer and concept developer of the 88 Logic program. Stephens' methodology to play recreational and technical piano has allowed people many people to play and enjoy piano. Stephen's strengths are his communication of his method which makes everything easy to understand and exciting. Stephen has a great artistic ability not only with piano but art and his skills as an editor allow Joshua and Stephen not only to work well technically, but artistically also.