Hi all. Discussions at Northern Illinois University have begun to set up a series of courses in piano tuning/ piano technology, beginning in September 2023.
I would love to hear from any of you concerning resources and strategies that have worked to get new technicians to the point they can pass the PTG exams. It has been awhile since I had any students here, and it was a very and hoc/ independent study arrangement. This will be set up as a two year program, with students hopefully coming either as a student at large if they are not pursuing a degree, or earning a BA in Music if they can be here for four years. It will not really be targeted at music majors, though they will be able to take the classes if their schedule and faculty advisor allow it.
There is clearly a need around the country for more technicians, especially for concert and institutional work, and I hope I can get a solid program started here, hopefully to continue after I retire ( whenever that happens.)
I am also anticipating a possible third year for students wishing to delve further into piano work, where they would maybe work with other techs for a month or so, learning, for instance, case repair, work in a rebuilding shop, hopefully take advantage of advanced tech programs like Kawai's Shigeru training or Yamaha's Concert Prep, or Steinway's training at the factory.
Any and all ideas/thoughts/ connections will be appreciated.
David Graham
Graham Piano Service, Inc.
512 S. Main St.
Sycamore IL 60178
815-353-5450