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Topic: Becoming a Piano Technician / Tuner ???  (Read 1936 times)

Offline mattm

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Becoming a Piano Technician / Tuner ???
on: July 06, 2005, 02:53:22 AM
I love music and the piano and plan on majoring in composition.  I am only majoring in composition because I thoroughly enjoy various style of music as well as playing / learning the piano.  My concern is being able to make a living as a music major.  I really don't see myself being a concert pianist as I just play for fun and because I enjoy it.  While I do want to learn how to play at a very good level and learn everything I can, I do not want the pressure of having to be a concert pianist.   In other words, I was thinking that while getting my bacholeors degree in music composition I could simultaneously learn how to become a piano technician.  Would this be a good idea?  I did a search already and found one relevant thread.  Does anybody have any firsthand experiences, recommendations, advice, warnings, etc in becoming a piano tuner /  technician?  Is it a job that is in demand or would it be a waste of time?  I was looking at this school here ---  https://www.pianotuning.com/    This particular school claims to let me learn the trade through correspondence and would be good for me to learn while at university.  Any of you heard of doing this?  Thanks.

Matt

Offline jeremyjchilds

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Re: Becoming a Piano Technician / Tuner ???
Reply #1 on: July 06, 2005, 03:38:26 AM
I am an instructor and technician. IT is the best combination possible, I tune a few pianos in the morning and then teach in the evening.

As far as a correspondance course, who knows...learning to tune by ear took me a long painful time and a lot of head-scratching.

Here's what I did...I found the local master in my area and introduced myself. I offered to clean up around the shop for free if I could watch him. Inevitably, we became friends and he has taught me everything I know.

Being able to tune a piano is one thing. but it is very important to be able to fix pianos, every 2nd tuning also has a repair necessary usually. Understand that this is a huge investment in order to have all the tools.

Before trying a co-respondance course, check out "piano servicing, tuning and rebuilding" by arthur A Reblitz. I keep this in my toolcase and probably use it once a month.

There is always a demand for good tuners, Being a musucian has really boosted my professional image as it will for you. Realize that it will take a long time to build a consistant clientelle, (1000 tunings a year) as opposed to teaching (40-50 students). Get your students for a steady income, then push the tunings. start with school districts, (They go for the lowest bidder)

I should mention that I had to tune about 100 pianos before I really felt confident in every aspect of tuning, so don't rush...if you really want to be a tech, it will happen
It would definitely be a waste of time to learn if you are not paitient when waiting for the phone to ring at the beginning. There are so many tuners in my area who start, thinking they will make a pile of money, then stop due to lack of business. Advertising generally does not work, I may get 10 calls a year from the phone book, but I may get 15 tunings from going to a christmas party. Either get a job, or start teaching and tune on the side untill you are busy..

Hope this helps
"He who answers without listening...that is his folly and his shame"    (A very wise person)

Offline Floristan

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Re: Becoming a Piano Technician / Tuner ???
Reply #2 on: July 06, 2005, 04:22:14 PM
I had the same experience as Jeremy regarding learning to tune and repair.  I apprenticed myself to a master for free, worked on lots of old clunkers, the Reblitz book was my bible, took months to learn to set a temperament in 20 minutes or less, took 100 tunings to become somewhat proficient, etc.  I couldn't survive on tunings, repairs, and the occasional rebuilding jobs.  This was in New York City, where there actually were too many technicians and competition was fierce.  I liked working for myself, but I just wasn't good at the business end of things.  I couldn't make a living at it, so had to change professions.  But that's just me.  If you have perseverence (which I had) and an entrepreneurial spirit (which I didn't), you'll succeed.

Offline jeremyjchilds

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Re: Becoming a Piano Technician / Tuner ???
Reply #3 on: July 06, 2005, 04:41:52 PM
THere is one other thing that I should mention...

Being a tuner means that you will never have to look for piano students again!
I have people asking for lessons every 2nd time I demonstrate a tuning, just another reason that tuning and teaching go hand in hand, people get thier piano tuned when they consider lessons.
"He who answers without listening...that is his folly and his shame"    (A very wise person)
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