Having studied classical piano for ten years, Düsseldorf based pianist / composer Volker Bertelmann's work as Hauschka is based upon a playful exploration of the possibilities of the 'prepared' piano - an adventurous intervention into the preconceived idea of the piano as a pure-toned, perfected instrument simply waiting for a gifted virtuoso to play on it. His resulting tracks are vivid, unconventional pieces made in a spirit of playful research-enthusiasm. Hauscka has been recording for the labels Karaoke Kalk and FatCat.