Rolf von Walthausen wrote: Perhaps I should clarify the point I was trying to make in my last post. What I see is that #1 stands on its own as a viable course that can be offered anywhere at any time without getting into the "training" issue. I agree. #1 could also be taught by the prof who specializes in this area (harpsichords, clavichords, pianofortes, piano, sometimes organ, etc.). I bet most schools which have a piano tech also have one of these profs. Most of these guys (that I've met) can tune and repair their own instruments and have some knowledge of piano technology. No need to waste the tech's time for this. They could probably do as good a job with it and it wouldn't be left up to the tech to learn a lot of accompanying music history. As a former music major, I really don't see the relevance of teaching a whole course on the history of the piano and how it works. If it were relevant, wouldn't it already be a required course? For the most part, most players will likely not get into the historical instruments. My main point was that if some schools were going to offer a course in introductory piano technology, that it would be good for the PTG to be involved in some way in establishing some criteria or guidelines. Just last night on the news they talked about the fact that our educational system was turning out graduates, less than half of which were prepared for the jobs they had studied for. It was referring to computer science, but the analogy fits. At a recent discussion of the Atlanta chapter (prior to convention), we were discussing the issue of revamping the categories of PTG members. Most seemed to agree that adding categories BELOW RPT was going in the wrong direction. It was mentioned that in Germany there are designations for the finest of the craft, and that RPT would fit somewhere near the bottom. (Not my quote, don't remember who's it was, either). I think we Americans are getting too complacent with mediocrity, and too apathetic to improve. Rolf also wrote: We don't have an obligation to create an easy path for people to learn how to be piano technicians, nor provide the necessary training. But I do feel we should at least think about the issue of how to create a clear path to getting there, and a clear idea of the costs involved. It just seems to me that CAUT's are in the perfect position to help define, develop and implement such if so desired. I agree, again. If the PTG considers itself to be involved with the ongoing education of its members, doesn't this seem to be the least we could do? help define a place to start? That's enough from me. Happy Thanksgiving, Jeff Jeff Tanner, Piano Technician School of Music University of South Carolina Columbia, SC 29208 (803)-777-4392 (phone) (803)-777-6508 (fax)
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