DESCRIPTION OF CLASSES

*Want to know the Class schedule and room location? Look here

Pre-conference Thursday,
ALL DAY SEMINARS

These classes begin at 8:30 a.m. and end by 5:00 p.m.
Class fee includes lunch.

From Flat Panel to Notched Bridge

Instructor: John Johanson
For the piano technician, replacing a soundboard is a challenging but ultimately rewarding endeavor. A new soundboard offers several advantages, including greater power and sustain. This full-day seminar will begin with a discussion of the reasons for replacing a soundboard, and an overview of the basics of its function and construction. From there, we will follow the steps of soundboard installation from a flat panel to a notched bridge. The soundboard assembly process will be illustrated with photographs, three-dimensional models, and other demonstration items. The workshop will include a hands-on demonstration of the tools, jigs, and adhesives involved in the process. We will also incorporate into our discussion a demonstration of the pneumatic soundboard cauls used in the construction of a crowned panel. This class is designed for technicians, re builders, and anyone interested in understanding the construction, components, and installation of a new soundboard in an older piano.

John Johanson is the owner of Mosaic Piano Service, a rebuilding shop located in downtown Greensboro, North Carolina. Previously, he had worked twelve years for John Foy Piano Restoration, in the same location at 612 South Elm Street. In June 2010 John Foy altered the path of his career from running his shop, to focus his energy on tuning, voicing and consulting, as well as in his work as the technician at The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. John Johanson received his bachelor’s degree in history and studio arts from Guilford College in 1992, and a Certificate in Piano Technology at the North Bennett Street School in 2000. He is an associate member of the Piano Technician’s Guild.

All-Day Aural Tuning Class

Instructor: Randy Potter RPT, Randy Potter School of Piano Technology
This All Day Aural Tuning Class includes the “The Six Things”, “The Potter Temperament”, and an “Advanced Tuning” class with hands-on demonstrations. Designed for people who “know something” about tuning, but are not yet ready to take and pass the RPT Tuning Exam – because they are not quite good enough at the aural part. Also for RPTs who want to learn more about aural tuning (maybe refresh some of what they forgot, and add a few new things.)
The Six Things You Need to Know to Tune a Temperament
Perhaps one of the reasons some have trouble learning temperament tuning is because it is made out to be so hard. It’s not as complicated as we sometimes make it seem. There are only six things you need to know, and be able to do, in order to tune a temperament. So lets go back to the basics – and get on with it.
The Potter Temperament
Learn more about the Temperament 10th, encompassing the center 17 notes of the mid-range section (F33-A49). This is the only temperament that can be tuned either as a slow-beating 4ths-5ths, or a fast-beating 3rds-6ths temperament – yet the notes are tuned in the same exact order either way. And since it includes five “inside octaves,” there are only seven notes left to complete the “mid-range” of the PTG Tuning Exam.
Attendees will receive of a copy of The Potter Temperament in both 3rds-6ths and 4ths-5ths during the class.

Conference Classes
September 30th - October 2, 2011

Action and Regulation

The 37 Steps of Grand Regulation

Instructor: LaRoy Edwards, RPT - Yamaha
Explore the 37 Steps of Grand Regulation and why the sequence of steps is so important. This three-hour class will increase your understanding of grand regulation and provide you with many tips on improving the touch of the grand piano.


What Difference Does It Make

Instructor: Steve Brady, RPT
How will a pianist respond to a change in each aspect of grand action regulation? This class examines how the pianist feels it when we take each parameter too far in one direction and then too far in the other. If a live pianist is available, I like to have one play the piano before and after some of the changes to get their feedback.

Steve Brady served as head piano technician at the University of Washington from 1978 till 2003. During those 25 years he tuned and prepared pianos for approximately 5,000 concerts and recitals, and worked with most of the leading pianists of our time. Steve served as editor of the Piano Technicians Journal for six years (1995 to 2001). In 1996 he received the Piano Technicians Guild’s “Member of Note” award, and in 1999 PTG published his book, A Piano Technician’s Guide to Field Repairs, which recently went into a second edition. His latest book, Under the Lid: The Art and Craft of the Concert Piano Technician, was published in 2008. Steve currently serves as head piano technician for the Aspen Music Festival and School. In his spare time Steve enjoys cooking, tending his wine cellar, and dancing Argentine tango. He lives in Seattle with his wife, the concert pianist Judith Cohen.

Bob and Bobbling Hammers

Sponsored by Hailun USA - Instructed by Mike Carraher,RPT
Meet Bob and his family and discover how they relate to bobbling hammers in the vertical piano. Learn a step by step procedure to solve this pesky problem once and for all.


Rebuilding

The Business of Rebuilding

Instructor: Wally Brooks, RPT, Brooks, Ltd.
Take advantage of the opportunity to hear about an experienced and proven approach to coming up with professional estimates, appraisals and contracts. You’ll learn how to help successfully sell large and small restorations while covering your backside.

Ivory

Instructor: Wally Brooks, RPT, Brooks, Ltd.
You’ll enjoy this informative class describing the history, products manufactured of ivory, ivory piano key covering and tips on working with used ivory. With information and slides from the Historical Society of Deep River, Connecticut, and Pratt-Read & Co., hear an interesting presentation from one of the experts in the field.

The patented TOUCHRAIL - Precisely adjust grand piano touchweight in minutes with no cutting or drilling.

Instructor: John Chapman, RPT
With hundreds sold throughout North America, many professional technicians know that the patented TOUCHRAIL TM from PitchLock Inc. offers an elegant solution for heavy or uneven touch weight in grand pianos. Designed for easy installation and adjustment , the TouchRail can reduce key downweight by as much as 10 grams with virtually no loss of low key repetition. If you haven’t seen this yet, you’re missing a fascinating business opportunity.

We are proud to introduce Mr. John Chapman as TouchRail Technical Representative and class instructor. John will be sharing his recent experiences with TouchRail installations in North Carolina.

Lacquer Finish Touch-Up, Clean-Up and Restoration

Instructor: Ruth Phillips
Lacquer finish restoration and repair, including dents, burn-ins, scratches, gouges and sheen correction; improving old finishes. Match colors, restore the patina to antiques. Make the old upright shine again without refinishing.

Service and Repair

Action Centers: The Secret of Consistent Touch.

Instructor: Don Mannino, RPT Kawai America Corp.
This class is in two parts within the one class session. The first focuses on conceptualizing action center operation and service, and the second demonstrates an efficient and highly accurate method for re centering using sized broaches. The discussion will include evaluating the amount of friction needed for any given action part, the effects of pinning on touch and tone, and dealing with the various types of bushing cloths encountered.

Don Mannio began an apprenticeship with a piano re builder while completing his studies at San Diego State University as a piano performance major in 1979. After working as an independent piano technician in the San Diego area, he held the position of National Service Manager for Young Chang Pianos, then was Manager of Technical Support for Kawai Pianos in the US and Canada, and now serves as the Director of Technical Training for Kawai and Shigeru Kawai Pianos. Don and his wife Patty are the editors of the Southern California Combined PTG newsletter. In addition to teaching at regional technician seminars, PTG Annual conventions, and at PTG chapter meetings, he also has designed technicians tools and has had articles on a variety of technical topics published in the Piano Technicians Journal, including Action Center service, a series on grand action regulation, and the use of plastics in piano actions. In 2010 he was certified in Japan as a Kawai "Master Piano Artisan" (or MPA), the highest level of technician for the Kawai company. Don resides in Cypress, CA with his wife Patty. Their daughter Sarah is studying Aerospace Engineering at UCSD.

Full Service Approach of Piano Maintenance

Instructor: Steve Brady, RPT
Take your daily work to new level with this full service approach by "servicing" instead of "tuning" the pianos in your clientele. Increase your income and customer satisfaction while making your job more interesting and rewarding.

Smoke Damage Restoration for Pianos and Odor Control

Instructor: Dave Swartz, RPT
This fun and informative 2 session class will cover important topics on smoke damage detoxification. We’ll discuss various odor control techniques as well as professional counteractants for odor elimination. Also included is discussion of animal urine, animal decomposition, feces, and various malodors. Many of these concepts are applicable in general piano cleaning. We'll cover masking agents along with the plus and minuses using Ozone generators. Helpful handouts are included! Come and learn the principles of odor origins with remedial approaches for successful odor control and detoxification.

Dave lives in Rosemount, Minnesota, with his wife Lori and owns Cory Products, LLC. He has been a piano technician since 1985. He owned and operated a nationally known rebuilding facility, Majestic Piano for 8 years. Dave has pioneered methods and practices for smoke damaged pianos and is a Certified Odor Removal Technician by IICRC. He has tuned for several universities and private colleges as well as providing concert tuning services for many renowned artists. Dave is a well-known conference instructor, and has taught at numerous local, regional and national PTG conventions and institutes, is also a Technical Advisor and Instructor of the Advanced Training Seminars for the Randy Potter School of Piano Technology.

Polyester Repair

Instructor: Ruth Phillips
Polyester repair overview, with demonstrations of polishing out minor scratches to the repair of corners and gouges. This will be a soup-to-nuts sampler approach.

Business

Don’t leave Money On The Table!

Instructor: David Estey, RPT

Economy, Economy, Economy… Enough with the excuses!  Opportunities  abound  today more than ever in the history of humanity.  Technology has laid out a buffet so large it is difficult to decide what to put on your plate. Your advantage? Traditional old world craftsmanship coupled with unyielding trust from your customers who want to buy more products/services from YOU! 

  • Learn the secrets of listening to customers-watch your bottom line grow!
  • Offer more products effortlessly using the automation of the web
  • Learn a tested, proven, easy formula to set your prices and financial goals

What others have said about this class:

  • “You compelled us to  think deeply about our roles as trusted consultants and avoid misunderstanding the sales process”
  • “You continually  guide fellow tech's. toward an understanding of the economics of our craft. Excellent!” 
  • “He knows how to address a group with the intelligence and  aplomb of a college professor”.

Don’t leave Money On The Table! will inspire you and reveal hidden opportunities. Can you afford to miss it?

David Estey, RPT , owner David Estey Piano Service, the (new) Estey Piano Company and Cool Stuff For Musicians.com has been in the piano business for 35 years and studying sales since 1988. David has brought his engaging presentation style to a variety of audiences in the US and Canada for the last 25 years.

Business 201 – Building a Sustainable Business in a Slow Economy

Instructor: Timothy Barnes
Running a business is hard work, but it does not have to be stressful. Business 201 is an in-depth class that will help you build a sustainable and profitable business in a slow economy. Over the past year Economist and Piano Technician Timothy Barnes has helped technicians increase their core revenue $40,000-$150,000+ by applying basic business principles to their business. Past attendees have said “This is the best Business class I have ever attended” and “I had given up on attending business classes but this one caught my eye… and it blew me away”. If you attended last year, come again. We have added new material and you will have an opportunity to ask in-depth questions as you seek to apply the B201 principles to your business.

Timothy Barnes began tuning and repairing pianos in high school. After spending two years studying music at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte he switched to the UNCC Belk School of Business and graduated with an BSBA in Economics. He currently resides in Charlotte, NC with his wife Rachel and son Titus. Tim is an entrepreneur at heart who owns Barnes Piano, LLC, Barnes String Covers, LLC and provides business consulting and strategy planning services for small businesses.

Specialty Classes

The Piano Life Saver from Square One (Installation & Sales)

Instructor: Kelly Hollifield, Technical Support Representative with Dampp-Chaser
Kelly will facilitate a hands-on installation of a Vertical System and provide an overview of Grand System installation. She will discuss part placement guidelines and offer tips and suggestions from other installers. In the second segment, Kelly will present sales methods used by Dampp-Chaser's sales leaders and provide many valuable tips to help you grow your business. Learn how to improve your professional reputation and increase your income!

Kelly Hollifield is the Senior Technical Support Representative for Dampp-Chaser Corp. and a member of the business’ Management Team. Joining the company in 2004, she provides technical support to Piano Life Saver System installers worldwide. Kelly brings extensive knowledge of Dampp-Chaser products and strong experience in business and customer service.


Secrets of the Super Glues II

Instructor: Ed Dryburgh
A comprehensive overview of the practical applications of CA glues and their uses in the piano: tuning pin applications, unusual repairs and time saving/money making techniques.

Social Media – Say hello to explosive marketing

Instructor: Timothy Barnes
Five years ago your web site was the most potent marketing tool you had for attracting new customers. Today…this is no longer true, everything has changed. We all know that Word-of-Mouth referrals bring us the best customers, the best pianos, and the best business. With the evolution of social media in today’s society you now have a tool more powerful than anything you have ever experienced. Imagine what would happen if you received 1-4 new clients for every client you serviced…can you imagine that? Well, welcome to the world of social media. In this class Timothy Barnes will help you understand how social media works and how you can make it work for your business.

Tuning and Voicing

Comprehend and Prepare for the RPT Tuning Exam

Instructor: Fengsheng Chen, RPT
From his over 10 years administration of tuning exam and many years tuning tutorings of PTG national convention, Fengsheng Chen, RPT and CTE will share his experiences. In the class you will understand tuning procedures and time limitation. You will know how examiners measure and score your tunings. After you attend the class, you will know how to budget your exam time, how to avoid unnecessary mistakes or neglects, and how to make your tuning more efficient to approach higher scores. In the 1-1/2 hour class you will learn many good tips to improve your tuning for exam and for your service also.

Verituner on the iPhone

Dave Carpenter, RPT - Veritune, Inc.
The Verituner is now available on the high performance iPhone, iPod, and iPad devices from Apple. See up close how to take advantage of the unique tuning features of the Verituner product line. We will demonstrate how to perform pitch raises, fine tuning, setting standard pitch, temperament, custom stretch styles, and saving tunings. Learn the best practices for using the Verituner's exclusive inharmonicity measuring technology to give the best tuning on any piano with the fewest steps.

Introduction to the SMARTER Reyburn CyberTuner and RCT for iPhone/iPod

Dean Reyburn RPT and Nate Reyburn RPT
In this class we will be using the NEWs iRCT for Apple iOS. We quickly cover RCT basics, then demonstrate using RCT's Smart Partials analyzing a piano's inharmonicity to create smoother transitions at the breaks. We also explore basics such as quick, accurate pitch raises, and converging the ear's aural preferences with a machine's digital decision making using RCT's Custom Equalizer and Pianalyzer tools.

Basics of Tuning with the Accu-Tuner

Instructor: Paul Sanderson, Inventronics, Inc.
For the technician that is not familiar with the Accu-Tuner or wanting to learn more of the features of the Accu-Tuner. We will cover the basics: how the lights work, selecting a page in memory and using the stored tunings. How to create and store 88-note tunings in memory at pitch or offset, using the automatic pitch-raise feature.
The Sanderson Accu-Tuner I, II & III will be shown, if time permits we can venture further to using the adjustable octave-width control to vary the amount of octave stretch as desired. There will be plenty of time for questions and answers.

Working with the Accu-Tuner IV

Instructor: Paul Sanderson, Inventronics, Inc.
The Accu-Tuner IV has taken the features of previous Accu-Tuners and with a new brain is moving forward with new features. The new microprocessor lets you have more control over: the tunings, the pitch raising, and yet still retains the accuracy, long battery life and improved the durability with a new case. Software for loading tunings to your computer is included with the Accu-Tuner IV. Come and see how you can use the Accu-Tuner IV to lighten your work load.

The Potter Temperament

Instructor: Randy Potter, RPT, Randy Potter School of Piano Technology
Learn more about the Temperament 10th, encompassing the center 17 notes of the mid-range section (F33-A49). This is the only temperament that can be tuned either as a slow-beating 4ths-5ths, or a fast-beating 3rds-6ths temperament – yet the notes are tuned in the same exact order either way. And since it includes five “inside octaves,” there are only seven notes left to complete the “mid-range” of the PTG Tuning Exam.

The Six Things You Need to Know to Tune a Temperament

Instructor: Randy Potter, RPT, Randy Potter School of Piano Technology
Perhaps one of the reasons some have trouble learning temperament tuning is because it is made out to be so hard. It’s not as complicated as we sometimes make it seem. There are only six things you need to know, and be able to do, in order to tune a temperament. So lets go back to the basics – and get on with it.

Tuning Stability into your Client's Pianos

Instructor: Don Mannino, RPT Kawai America Corp.
This class covers many aspects of the tuning stability problem, especially pertaining to new (or newly re strung) pianos. Tuning technique, proper string seating, pitch raising and other aspects of the technician's work are discussed and demonstrated. Also discussed will be the many other factors which can contribute to tuning instability and the best ways to deal with them.

Impact tuning hammer technique

Dean Reyburn RPT and Nate Reyburn RPT
Impact tuning can reduce the strain on your body at the same time it allows you to tune with ease, stability and speed. This technique requires a different type tuning lever than the standard fixed tuning lever. We'll show how to hold and manipulate the impact lever, different types available. Reducing the strain on your shoulder, neck and back are crucial whether you're just starting out or have been tuning for years. Impact tuning is an easier skill to learn for new tuners, and doesn't require upper body strength, just fine control.

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