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The Piano Technician

An Italian-American piano technician reflects on a lifetime devoted to his craft as he enters retirement. Coming from a family of Italian immigrants, he shares how his heritage shaped his work ethic and passion for perfecting sound. The documentary captures his dedication, the artistry of piano tuning, and the profound connection between craftsmanship, tradition, and identity.

  • Zan Wang
    Director
    Director, Editor
  • John Peter Didato
    Producer
    Producer, DP
  • Louis Tasciotti
    Key Cast
    "Lou Tasciotti"
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    20 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    July 30, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    10,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States, United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States, United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - The New School
Director Biography - Zan Wang

Zan Wang is a Shanghai-born, New York-based filmmaker and musician whose work bridges the worlds of classical music and cinematic storytelling. Trained as a classical pianist since the age of four, she earned her BA in Music Performance from Shanghai University before moving to New York City to pursue an MM in Music Performance at Mannes School of Music. Her artistic journey then expanded into film, leading her to study Media Studies at The New School, where she explores cinematography, digital film production, and sound recording.

Zan’s filmmaking is deeply influenced by her musical background, blending rhythm, composition, and emotional depth into visual storytelling. She has directed and produced music videos, documentaries, and narrative shorts, often highlighting themes of artistry, heritage, and human connection.

Beyond filmmaking, Zan is the co-founder of Open Note NYC, a concert series that brings musicians together in intimate community settings. Her work has taken her across cultural and creative landscapes, from Amsterdam’s placemaking projects to Vermont’s recording retreats, always seeking new ways to merge music and film.

With a strong foundation in both performance and production, Zan continues to develop projects that celebrate artistry, craftsmanship, and the stories of human connection.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

My artistic journey began in Shanghai, where I trained as a classical pianist from the age of four. Music was my first language—a deeply ingrained discipline that shaped how I perceive emotion, rhythm, and storytelling. After earning my BA in Piano Performance, I moved to New York City, where my creative focus expanded beyond sound to image. Following my MM in Piano Performance, I pursued Media Studies at The New School, mainly focusing on musical documentaries and music videos—forms that allowed me to explore the intersection of sound, history, and personal expression.

My connection to Lou Tasciotti is deeply rooted in our shared identity—he as a piano technician, and I as a pianist. Over the years, Lou has provided an environment where young musicians like me could truly experience the joy of music, ensuring that each instrument he touches becomes an extension of the artist playing it. Yet so few people understand the vital role of a piano technician—an artisan whose work, though often invisible, is essential to the music itself. I feel a profound connection to his story—not just as an artist, but as someone moved by the way culture, heritage, and craftsmanship intertwine.

Lou’s dedication to his craft is inseparable from his family’s immigrant roots. His father, an Italian immigrant, built a life in America through hard work and resilience—values that Lou carries forward in his own labor. Just as his father’s sacrifices provided a foundation for his family, Lou’s meticulous work ensures that the music lives on for future generations. His profession, like many old-world crafts, is one built on patience, skill, and the quiet pursuit of excellence—ideals that have long defined Italian-American heritage.

This film is not just about piano tuning; it is about legacy. It is about how one generation’s sacrifices shape the path of the next, and how traditions—whether in family or in craft—are passed down with care and commitment. Lou is maintaining a tradition, one that carries the echoes of those who came before him and will, hopefully, continue with those who come after.

Through this film, I hope to preserve a piece of history, honor the artisans who dedicate their lives to their work, and bring attention to the small but profound stories that shape the larger human experience.