Attracting and Retaining Good Employees (E) As the business aspect of our industry evolves, technicians are moving away from the “grumpy-guy-with-a-bag-of-tools” model to a team of technicians. Companies like Vanguard Piano Service, Artisan Pianos, and our own New York Piano Works are at the forefront of this change. This class will guide you through the decision-making process of adding a technician or other staff, provide insights on finding quality employees, and offer strategies to foster strong employee relationships and maximize retention.
Speed Regulating Techniques for Verticals and Grands (E) While almost all pianos benefit from some degree of regulation, this aspect of piano care is often misunderstood and can be challenging to sell, as it involves additional costs and time. However, for the majority of our clients, who are casual users, the most noticeable benefit comes from the first 80% or so of regulation.
You can significantly enhance most clients’ piano experience in just a few hours. This class is designed for piano technicians looking to eliminate wasted movement, accelerate their service delivery, and increase hourly profitability on both upright and grand action regulation. It will equip you with the language to explain and sell a partial regulation, as well as tools and techniques to maximize your efficiency without compromising quality.
Piano Technology and Neurodivergence (E) Our profession has always been one which embraced “eccentricity”. As we learn more about the science of neurodivergence, it is becoming apparent that many of us (myself included) experience some degree of neurodivergence. In addition, we encounter many clients who may present as neurodivergent.
This class will explore the advantages and challenges of being a neurodivergent piano technician. It will also provide strategies for success, both as technicians and business owners, and when interacting with neurodivergent clients.
Seymour Apregilio
Harpsichord Tuning for Newbies (B, I)
Servicing Harpsichords (B, I)
Christian Bolduc
Grand Pinblock Replacement (E)
Grand Soundboard Replacement (E)
George Buss
Grow with Gazelle (E)
Ben Cross
Mastering the Powered Voicing Tool (I, A)
Temperament Tuning : Mitigating Compounding Errors with the Temperament Comma (E)
The Aftertouch Recipe, Hot and Cold (I, A)
Josi Davis
Grand and Vertical Action Replacement (B, I)
Debi Gould
Introduction to the Dampp-Chaser System (E, A)
Advanced Troubleshooting for the Dampp-Chaser System (E)
Marta Hansen
Building your Brand part I and II (E)
Piano Painting : An Overview (E)
Ian Hayden
Grand Bridge Epoxy Repair part I and II (I, A)
Ricki Klos
“On the Other Hand…” (E) This class reveals the benefits of learning to do piano work with your non-dominant hand.
“Say again? I Didn’t Hear You.” (E) This class reveals the benefits of regular hearing tests and using hearing protection while working.
Garik Pedersen
Victory Vertical Project (E)
Malinda Powell
How Do I Get My Business Off the Ground? (E) Have you ever heard the phrase: You get your clients by word of mouth? But where does that word of mouth start? This class will give you insights as to how to get clients and how to keep your clients after that all important first tuning.
Dean Reyburn
Tool Ergonomics : Tailoring your work to minimize body stress (E)
Cybertuner, Tuning your way with AI help (E)
Grand Action Geometry : Hands-On Learning by Doing (I, A)
Nate Reyburn
Tune Jitsu: Ergonomic Tuning Before the way of the hand comes the way of the mind. Come learn the secrets of the impact tuning hammer. We’ll focus on how the body functions, how to use it effectively with various tools, and how not to use it when tuning.
Ben Rocke
The Grandwork Tools Regulation Station (E)
Ashley Turner
Business Strategies for Independent Piano Technicians (E) From Semantics to Record Keeping : A Balanced Perspective – Ashley Turner, RPT will cover a wide range of non-technical philosophies, systems, and strategies for a satisfying career in piano technology, based on over twenty-two years experience as an independent piano technician. Ashley began her piano technology career in 2004 and utilizes her background in psychology and mental health to share perspectives harnessed and honed from countless mistakes she’s made over the years.
