Roger - Not only is there a shortage of technicians in many areas in the US, there is a shortage of training opportunities. Conventions are expensive. Schools are expensive. Many people staring out not only don't have much money, but many realize quickly that this isn't the job for them AFTER they have already made a financial and time investment. I think Ben's idea is a very good one because people can get an idea of what's involved before they make a commitment they might have to break.
John Parham and I started the "Appalachian Piano Tech Camp" in 2023. My original goal was to provide an AFFORDABLE training opportunity in our region, because we're in a training-desert and the average income here is under 30K a year. There are few opportunities here. I knew it would be popular, so didn't advertise much, and even had the webpage set to not public. I still had a wait list. The second year we could have more people, so I went slightly more public with it, but still didn't go nuts with advertising. We still had a wait list. This year, we are having two events, so after allowing my Appalachian peeps first dibs, I'll go public and advertise more than I have in the past, but that's still just posting here and on social media.
This is not a school. It's like a playground on steroids. I would like to not only encourage Ben, but to ask him to consider having the playground come to him if his first event is successful. His event followed by a playground event might be a good idea. You can charge a minimal fee, enough to return-ship the PTG playground (them shipping to you used to be free; it may still be).
We have had several beginners come to our event to explore what piano technology would be like, including a 17 year old with his mom. It's 100% doable.
Go Ben!
------------------------------
Maggie Jusiel, RPT
Athens, WV
(304)952-8615
mags@timandmaggie.net------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 01-08-2025 14:15
From: Roger Gable
Subject: Possible In-Person Training Seminar for Beginning Techs
Benjamin,
Is there a shortage of qualified technicians in your area? Consider the possibility that your desire to set up a training shop is motivated by ego. Training a person to be a qualified piano technician takes dedicated time and energy. Ask the North Bennet Street School the necessary time and dedication for such an endeavor.
------------------------------
Roger Gable RPT
Gable Piano
Everett WA
(425) 252-5000
Original Message:
Sent: 01-08-2025 13:53
From: Benjamin Sanchez
Subject: Possible In-Person Training Seminar for Beginning Techs
I'm thinking of doing it at the piano store here in the Huntsville, AL metro area. In addition to the main showroom, there are several small studios on site that could be used as well. I'll share more details as they're available.
------------------------------
Benjamin Sanchez, RPT
Piano Technician / Artisan
(256) 947-9999
www.professional-piano-services.com
www.FromZeroToSixFiguresBook.com
Original Message:
Sent: 01-08-2025 11:43
From: John Nasta
Subject: Possible In-Person Training Seminar for Beginning Techs
Where are you thinking about doing this?
------------------------------
John Nasta
Brooklyn NY
nastanyc@gmail.com
(646) 515-7594
Original Message:
Sent: 01-07-2025 20:32
From: Benjamin Sanchez
Subject: Possible In-Person Training Seminar for Beginning Techs
I've been thinking for a while now about hosting an in-person training seminar for new piano technicians. Looking at this summer, I might have the time and bandwidth to do it. However, I'm not sure what exactly would be the best way to focus the event.
If you're a new piano tech and are interested in possibly attending in-person training, it would be a great help to me if you would fill out this 1 minute survey using this link. Thank you!
------------------------------
Benjamin Sanchez, RPT
Piano Technician / Artisan
(256) 947-9999
www.professional-piano-services.com
www.FromZeroToSixFiguresBook.com
------------------------------