[CAUT] Tech Quals matter

[Jim Busby]

Hi Ric,

Yamaha has suspended training, etc. here due to the current economic crisis. Don M. tells me that Kawai is holding classes back for a while too. Is this not an issue on your side of the pond? Or is Yamaha going ahead with what you described? Sounds interesting though.

Regards,
Jim Busby

-----Original Message-----
From: caut-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:caut-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of Richard Brekne
Sent: Tuesday, February 24, 2009 2:30 PM
To: caut at ptg.org
Subject: [CAUT] Tech Quals matter

Hi Folks.

I remember a couple months back we were going round and round a bit on 
the general subject of CAUT certifications and I mentioned that if the 
PTG and CAUT doesn't come up with a a truly viable certification that 
someone else... perhaps Steinway I think I said at the time... would.

Seems like here in Europe Yamaha has decided to establish a Euro Yamaha 
PTG which will directly compete with the various associations and no 
doubt will vie with the European umbrella association Euro Piano.  Euro 
Piano has been struggling to get a certifications test up and going and 
struggling with internal matters that have bogged down progress quite a 
bit... and tho many of us have high hopes it will finally emerge as a 
unified solid heavy weight association.... many others have serious 
doubts as to whether or not the many difficult issues will ever get 
solved.  In the meantime.... Yamaha is jumping in with both feet and no 
doubt will follow the model they use in Japan.  Japanese tuners wanting 
to get cooperation for parts and service from Yamaha simply have to work 
for a Yamaha dealer.  Of course this comes with the usual conditions one 
could expect with respect to loyalties issues, pay, etc.

Yet another chaw to chew on for those of you following the current 
efforts to create a bonified Caut certification.  I suppose this kinda 
goes in the opposite direction as my post the other day... and again... 
view this post for your own edification and reply off list if you feel 
the need.  But I guess the moral of the story is that if CAUT and the 
PTG doesn't come up with something good.... well someone else will take 
the lead and perhaps more.

Cheers
RicB