Protecting Precious Pianos

As facilities manager at the University of Michigan's School of Music, Theatre & Dance, Josh Chenier oversees six diverse buildings on campus, each with special requirements and quirks. His biggest challenge? Maintaining a 1960s building housing invaluable vintage instruments, some dating back to the 1700s. These rare assets—harpsichords, clavichords, and grand pianos—are treasures to faculty and students alike, but they require specific environmental care to preserve their quality. Balancing this responsibility within an older infrastructure brings its own set of trials.

Balancing Old and New Infrastructure

The University of Michigan campus includes buildings that span from recent constructions to historic architecture. Their most active music building lacks a vapor barrier and modern HVAC systems. That lack of environmental control, while typical for buildings of its era, becomes a significant hurdle when you’re dealing with rare, centuries-old instruments that demand stable temperature and humidity levels. Instruments such as harpsichords and clavichords—made primarily of wood—are especially sensitive to changes in these conditions. Even a few degrees’ fluctuation can warp wood or damage string tension, causing tuning issues and structural problems.

“To help combat these environmental instabilities, our team provides small humidifiers in the rooms housing these sensitive instruments,” explained Josh. “Our larger HVAC system has some humidity control.”

Budget Constraints and Unexpected Expenses

Josh’s team’s role is complicated by tight budgets and the necessity of prioritizing funding across a range of university needs. Despite Michigan’s reputation and endowments, funding for niche maintenance—like vintage instrument care—is often limited.

For instance, if a high-value grand piano suffers damage due to humidity fluctuations, repairs can cost up to $15,000.

Collaborating with Experts and Managing User Expectations

Part of Josh’s team’s job involves working closely with experts who understand the needs of these delicate assets better than anyone—piano technicians and early instrument faculty. These professionals are acutely aware of the environmental conditions required to preserve the instruments’ integrity.

The piano technicians monitor humidity levels in each room, noting any discrepancies that could potentially damage tuning or cause cracks. Their expertise is crucial for preventing costly damage, and their feedback plays a large role in how Josh and his team adapt their maintenance approach.

Last Notes

Managing facilities in a music school is a balancing act between honoring the past and preparing for the future.

“Our daily work extends far beyond basic maintenance; we protect and preserve a collection of one-of-a-kind musical instruments, essential to the school's mission and the education of future musicians,” said Josh. “This role requires collaboration, adaptability, and ongoing advocacy to ensure that our institution’s unique assets are safeguarded, allowing faculty, students, and the wider community to continue enjoying their rich sound and historical significance.”

While it may be unusual for a facilities team to oversee such precious items, it’s an honor and a challenge Josh’s team is proud to take on.

Advice About Managing Rare & Valuable Facility Assets

• Know Environmental Needs of Valuable Assets: Research conditions needed to protect sensitive items. Consider room-specific controls like humidifiers when central systems aren’t sufficient.
• Adapt for Older Buildings: Prioritize upgrades that support preservation, such as vapor barriers or humidity control in outdated buildings.
• Work with Experts: Collaborate with specialists (e.g., piano technicians) for insights that help prevent damage and guide maintenance.
• Budget for Special Needs: Advocate for funding to cover unexpected, niche expenses, as repairs for rare items can be costly.
• Communicate with Building Users: Keep faculty and users informed on maintenance needs and adjustments to foster understanding and cooperation.
• Act as Asset Stewards: Extend your role to protect cultural assets, balancing preservation with institutional needs and mission.