While pianos have been around for well over a century and their essential structure and sound have remained the same, the tools, techniques and technologies used to keep them sounding and their best are always evolving. As a piano tuner and technician, my clients trust me to tune, voice, repair, refurbish and even rebuild their precious instruments — and I take that responsibility very seriously. Each piano is a unique and cherished instrument and every client deserves stellar services to help theirs sound and perform at its best. That’s why I believe continuing education is the most important investment I make as a piano technician every year. Continuing education is not just beneficial to my work, it’s essential. Every year, there are new materials, tools and techniques to discover. Applying what I learn is what helps to ensure every client receives the exceptional service they deserve from Oxford Piano Service.
The practice of piano technology is an art and a science. Each year brings new materials, tools, and techniques to the fold. Tuning technologies have made impressive strides and repair methods have advanced. Staying on top of all of this — learning new repair techniques, advanced piano cleaning methods and discovering better ways to tune, voice, maintain pianos — makes ongoing education integral to my growth as a technician.
One of the best opportunities for continuing education out there for piano technicians is the Piano Technicians Guild (PTG) Conference. This annual event brings piano technicians from all over the world together to learn, share, and grow in our craft. The ongoing learning opportunities at events like the PTG Conference is about more than acquiring new technical skills and knowledge, it’s about applying that knowledge to improve the service I provide to every client.
Staying up to date on new techniques and technologies
At the PTG Conference, I’ve had the chance to attend hands-on workshops and seminars covering a wide range of topics — from piano repair, piano refurbishing, and piano maintenance, to advanced piano cleaning methods and the latest tools, materials and tuning technologies. Sessions like these help me keep my skills sharp as I work to serve clients in Guelph, Waterloo, Kitchener and the surrounding tri-city area. I consider the PTG conference to be a premier opportunity for learning, networking and growth in my field. It’s through events like these that I’m able to keep my skills sharp, discover new ideas and tools, and connect with others in the industry.
Enhancing diagnostic and problem-solving skills
Every piano has its own set of unique characteristics. Technicians need a deep understanding of the instrument in order to properly diagnose and approach the work to be done. By being part of the vibrant PTG community, I am always learning new strategies to help me tackle even the most complex problems, difficult repairs and unique issues. Learning with and from my peers helps me handle everything from basic piano maintenance to more intricate piano repair tasks with greater efficiency and ease.
The PTG Conference is also a great opportunity to explore emerging technologies. For example, advancements in digital tuning devices and software have made the tuning process more accurate and efficient. The workshops at the conference provide me with the opportunity to explore these innovations firsthand, ensuring that I can continue to offer my clients the most accurate and professional tuning services.
Over the years, I’ve connected with talented technicians from all over the world and this network has supported me in delivering the best piano services I can. I’ve also met fellow technicians and piano tuners in Waterloo, Guelph and Kitchener, allowing me to draw on their expertise and even collaborate on complex projects.
Keeping our service standards high
As a piano tuner and technician, I am committed to providing the highest standard of service to every client. In addition to technical expertise, being part of the PTG Conference has allowed me to provide better customer service and improve the client experience every year. I believe this holistic approach to education has made me a more well-rounded technician and a better partner to my valued clients.
Servicing rare and antique pianos
Piano maintenance is more than just simply repairing or tuning instruments — it’s about ensuring that every piano is treated like the unique instrument it is and preserving the integrity of pianos so they can be enjoyed for generations.
Over the years the PTG Conference has offered specialized training sessions focused on areas like historical piano repair, restoration, and piano refurbishing. These sessions have given me the knowledge and skills to work on vintage pianos, ensuring that they sound beautiful and remain in top condition. This specialized education ensures that we can handle even the most delicate restoration projects with the utmost care.
Delivering value for clients through lifelong learning
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a piano tuner is the opportunity for continuous learning. In my over ten years in business, I have found that there’s always something new to learn. Investing in education and building a local community of peers is the best way to keep my skills fresh and deliver the best possible service. This spirit of lifelong learning keeps me motivated to continuously improve my craft, and the knowledge I build is something I carry with me every day as I work on pianos in Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph, Milton, Georgetown, Fergus, Elora and all areas in between.
QUESTION: Are you a CPT? If so, we could do another post on what that means for clients.