Don retired from Ithaca College in June of 2014 after 28 1/2 years at the school but continues piano work part-time as an independent technician. He began his career in piano technology after graduating from the North Bennet Street School (Boston) in 1975. He assisted part-time at West Chester State University from 1975 to 1985. In December of 1985 he started his position as head piano technician at Ithaca College.
Don has been a member of The Piano Technicians Guild (PTG) since 1975 and has held many positions in the organization including chapter president, regional conference chair and chair of the PTG College and University Technicians Committee. Don has taught classes at local, regional and national PTG seminars and the New York State Music Teachers Association conference. He also chaired The Piano in Academia Symposium at the annual PTG convention in Chicago, IL, June 2002. He was the co-editor of the 2003 revised PTG Guidelines for Institutional Piano Maintenance. Don also taught a class at Ithaca College on the history and science of piano technology and the history of the piano.
Don is a licensed Stanwood TouchDesign installer, a certified Wapin Bridge System installer, a certified Wessell, Nickel & Gross action parts installer and has attended Steinway factory seminars.