Class levels – (B) Beginner, (I) Intermediate, (A) Advanced, (E) Everyone

Scott Andrews
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
Installation of the Full-Fitted Pinblock (E) Christian demonstrates how to replace a full-fitted grand piano pinblock from A to Z. Learn how to take the necessary references before removing the plate, use the Plate Puller, remove the original pinblock with Bolduc’s Pinblock Extractor, fit the new pinblock to the plate, drill it, and glue and dowel it into the case. Throughout the class, Christian shares many practical tips and tricks to simplify the process and achieve professional results.
Installation of the Grand Pre-Crowned Soundboard (E) Is your shop not set up for a complete grand piano rebuild, but you’re interested in replacing a soundboard? Christian introduces the Grand Pre-Crowned Soundboard, featuring pre-glued ribs and new bridge capping ready to be carved. Step by step, you’ll learn how to take the proper measurements and reference points before removing the original soundboard and ordering a replacement. This class provides an overview of the measurements required for accurate duplication and the key requirements for a successful installation.

George Buss
Grow with Gazelle (E)

Ben Cross
Mastering the Powered Voicing Tool (I, A) Are you a piano technician looking to:   – Work faster and more efficiently?   – Achieve precise and consistent voicing?   – Reduce strain on your hands and body? Then join us for a hands-on exploration of the revolutionary powered voicing tool! In this class, you’ll learn:   – How the powered voicing tool works and its key benefits   – Adjustable depth and speed settings for customized voicing control   – Different needle cartridges for various voicing techniques (single needle, curved 25-needle, straight 25-needle)   – How to use the powered voicing tool for common voicing tasks: Shift Voicing, Sugar Coating, and Deep Shoulder Voicing This class is perfect for:   – Piano technicians of all skill levels   – Piano tuners looking to expand their voicing skills By the end of this class, you’ll be able to:   – Confidently operate the powered voicing tool   – Apply different voicing techniques using the appropriate cartridges   – Experience the efficiency and precision of powered voicing   – Reduce physical strain while achieving superior voicing results Don’t miss this opportunity to take your piano voicing skills to the next level!
Temperament Tuning : Mitigating Compounding Errors with the Temperament Comma (E) Aural Temperament Tuning is one of the key parts of becoming a Registered Piano Technician. There are many different ways to approach Equal Temperament, but the goal is the same regardless of how we get there: to equally distribute the comma among the 12 notes in the Western scale. The traditional method taught for temperament tuning is easily learned but introduces the potential for compounding errors. In this class, I will share with you an order that reduces our chances of creating compounding errors when tuning aural temperaments while using a tool that I’ve developed to help visualize what we do as piano technicians.
The Aftertouch Recipe, Hot and Cold (I, A) Aftertouch stands out as a crucial element in piano regulation. An understanding of aftertouch will allow you to make educated decisions about the piano that you are working on. In this class, we explore the art of crafting a personalized aftertouch recipe for each piano. While specifications provide a starting point, we’ll learn how to go beyond them, ensuring that every piano receives the ideal touch it deserves. I’ve developed a hot and cold ideology to simplify the way we think about the different parameters.

Josi Davis
Grand and Vertical Action Replacement (B, I)

Debi Gould
Introduction to the Piano Life Saver | Dampp-Chaser Corp. (E) Struggling with tuning stability related to humidity fluctuations? This is a great course to check out, whether you are new to Dampp-Chaser’s Piano Life Saver System or just looking to brush up your skills and knowledge. We will provide a broad overview of product functions, system selection, basic installation, and service
Piano Life Saver System Troubleshooting and Service for Older Models  Dampp-Chaser Corp. (E) Enhance your skills in servicing older models of the Piano Life Saver System. Discover how components have evolved over the company’s 75-year legacy of promoting pitch stability. Gain expertise in supporting these systems and understanding compatibility, from historic to current models.

Marta Hansen
Building your Brand part I (E) Building and growing a successful and sustainable business is more than just being a great piano technician. It takes a well rounded approach that looks at finding, engaging, and retaining clients, while also staying organized and efficient. That’s not an easy task! This class will share tips and practices that work to build up your client base and keep them in an engaging way and building a name for yourself in your community and online.
Building your Brand part II (E) This second part of this class will hone in on building name recognition and reputation for yourself and your business through effective use of social media, in person community work and efforts, local community engagement, and web search and reviews.
Piano Painting : An Overview (E) Piano painting has become a popular and fun way to update an older, dated piano. It’s also much less expensive than refinishing and less messy. For many older, dated pianos and clients on a budget, having their piano updated through painting is an excellent option. However, there are ways to do it effectively to ensure the piano as a functional musical instrument stays the primary focus and use and that it’s painted for beauty as well as durability. Learn tips and best practices from Marta, who has been painting clients pianos in her workshop and in client’s homes for almost 15 years.

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) These classes trace the fascinating story of Steinway’s “Victory Vertical” pianos built for the United States military during World War II and the Korean Conflict. Presented by Steinway Artist Garik Pedersen, each class will contain background information and piano performance, leaving time for question and comments. History We will explore the historical importance of the piano and piano music in the U.S. before the war, Steinway and it’s role in the National Piano Manufacturers Association, and the state of music and piano-building at the beginning of the war. Includes Henry Steinway’s personal reminiscences with Dr. Pedersen in 2008. Manufacture We will explore the adjustments made in the manufacture of Victory Vertical pianos: substitutions necessitated by rationing, production bans, and restricted materials for civilian manufacturing, adjustments necessary for war transport, and adaptive measures for new climates and “critters.” Reception and Use This will integrate documented examples and vignettes of various ways the pianos were used during the wars, including performances of music that played a role. Encompasses the soldier-pianists of the Special Services Unit and the creation of the USO and its “camp shows.” The Victory Vertical Project Today We will consider the importance of Victory Verticals as historical artifacts that document the role of music and the piano in U.S. cultural history. This section of the class will survey post-war history, the recent interest in The Victory Vertical Project, and provide an unofficial registry of Victory Verticals today.

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)

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.

Lucy Urlacher
Efficient/Speed Tuning (E)
Vertical Regulation (E)