March Chapter Meeting & Technical

A Case for Unequal Temperament in the 21st Century
Presented by Tim Foster, RPT

When “unequal” or “historical” temperament is whispered in the piano tech community it is often met with rolling eyes. But instead of the obsequious centuries-old discussion about how best to slice up the octave, there’s a new perspective on the block which approaches temperament from the music’s point of view. A new series of articles beginning September 2025 have been published in the Journal, written by Tim Foster, RPT, who visits our chapter in March to demonstrate an arguably unheard degree of consonance and musicality. While the articles are rigorous, the many demonstrations you will hear in person will challenge your understanding of the limits of piano tuning.

This month’s meeting takes place at the home of Robin Whitehouse, in Greenbelt, MD, not a regular meeting location. We will compare both equal and special unequal modified temperament, on two 7-foot grands, in an intimate environment so that you can really experience what’s happening. No smoke and mirrors! Please come as skeptical as you wish, you need only trust your ears.

Schedule:
5:30pm - Dinner
6:30pm - Business Meeting
7:00pm - Technical
8:00pm – Potential for some time to play the modified tuning yourself

We may be requesting an RSVP, as parking will be a little complicated.