Piano-tuning maestro Charles Ball has been hitting the high notes for 30 years as the head piano technician in the Butler School of Music. From an early age, Ball has been fascinated by the inner workings of pianos and had dreamed of one day working in music, with a fleet of fine instruments that he would prepare for concert performances.
Ball reflects on having realized his dream: a long career working with the finest instruments and the best pianists, from first-year music students to some of the greatest piano virtuosos in the world.
With the motto “UT works because staff work,” Staff Appreciation Week is an opportunity for members of the university community to show appreciation for the hard work and commitment of university staff.
Read a transcript of the interview (PDF).
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Inspiring change with Choquette Hamilton
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Resources for People
[...] is the head piano technician in the Butler School of Music, where he has worked for thirty years. Check out the Know profile and learn more about what Charles contributes to the University! Spread the [...]
I know Charles through his contributions as Board Chair for Austin Zen Center. I might have guessed that he is equally gifted and generous as head piano technician. Blessings and gratitude to the photographer and producer who have skillfully captured Charles' subtle and precious beauty; and have given us a peak into his professional world.
Thanks so much for your faithful service over the years, Charles! We can rest assured that the instruments will always be in top condition!
I am so glad to see this on facebook! Charles you are just so wonderful and I have great memories of your work and also being your little helper for a brief period while at UT! Thanks so much for everything! I was actually mentioning you and your work this very week while performing in Jamaica! Best wishes! Nyaho
Thank you so much, Charles. Your years of care and love for the UT pianos is amazing. Also, thanks for being such a great person, too. Take care.
Charles Ball is indeed a master technician, and is so special to me, that I invite him to Orlando (FL) every few years to work on my piano. He is the ONLY technician that I will allow to work on my 1921 Hamburg Steinway B because he truly understands the nuances of my piano and the quality of its color and tone. Charles Ball was one of the special people that I came to know while a student at UT, and I will always connect him with my two wonderful years there as a doctoral student. This is a wonderful mini documentary on you, Charles! You are the BEST! Congratulations!
An excellent tribute to a well-deserving member of the Butler School of Music. Charles advised and greatly helped me in moving a 100 year old Steinway from Victoria, Texas to Austin. Charles and Mary Smith are truly masters at their craft!
So nice to see and hear this lovely portrait of your work, Charles! The public may know of the many fine artists that take the stage at UT's performance venues, but not many know of the fine artist behind the scenes working his magic on the pianos. Glad to see you getting some well-deserved attention!
Your outstanding work is an inspiration to us all -- your skill, your devotion, and your sense of the nuance needed to match the sound to our needs. An expert understands that; a true master can achieve it. Thanks for all you do!
This is a beautiful interview and photo montage! As an undergraduate music student at UT in the 1990s, I had the opportunity to work with Charles, Ed, Mary, and Tom in the workshop as a work-study student. I learned so much and had a wonderful time working with these dedicated artists! Congratulations, Charles!!
Congratulations Charles on your recognition ... you deserve it! Charles has been my piano technician extraordinare for many years ... you are the best!
great interview... NPR style I've wanted to work in the piano technician department for a while now :-D thanks for sharing