Health issues

[Newton Hunt]

There are too many of us feeling taken advantage of and for granted.  There
are no easy means of solving these problems that I know of so...

I once asked a CAUT, since left, how he decided on how much to do.  His
answer has been one of my guide posts since.  He indicated he tuned four
pianos or the equivelant in mechanical work each day.  My personal guide line
is that I will do not less for the university than I would do for myself in
private practice (most of the time).

Early heart attacks are no reason to work harder for the U than you would
want to work for yourself to feed your family, pay the bills, buy insurance,
and in my case buy an extra car and hire a driver.

Most of us are underpaid.  40% of my take home pay is from ourside sources;
the local community concert hall, other departments of Rutgers (the
Department of Music will not subsidize housing, fund raising, alumea,mi,us)
and a few privat customers.

Since I am required to put in 37.5 hours per week when I have done three
pianos, repaired on lyre, repalce two strings I have done a days worth of
work and retire to the shop to work on actions.  During recital season (I
tune for 220 to 240 recitals or concerts per year) little more than tunings
get done.

I have 130 pianos to try to maintain, with myself and me as helpers.  I need
another 1.5 technicans bassed upon climate, age, usage, quality and condition
of our stock.

There should be a national Tuner Appreciation Day.

      Newton J. Hunt
      nhunt@gandalf.rutgers.edu