Piano teachers

[Bill Spurlock, RPT]

Re: Avery Todd's inquiry about opening a dialog with piano teachers on-line, I'd
suggest getting  copies of the PTG Teacher Relations Handbook and the Business
Resource Manual. The first has a wealth of information and insight into reaching
out to teachers. The BRM has a number of pre-written articles answering common
piano care questions (Why do pianos need tuning?, How long will a piano last?,
When is the best time to get my piano tuned?, Why do some pianos have keys that
feel heavy, and some that feel light?, etc.). These articles can be used as-is
or edited as you like, and offered to teachers as helpful information.

One tip: Start from where the teachers are. In other words, listen to them first
to get an idea of their needs and concerns, then offer them something that
serves those needs. For a dialog to be productive to both teachers and
technicians, it shouldn't assume that all teachers are mechanical dummies who
are too cheap to have their pianos properly serviced. No one likes advice from
an "expert" that is condescending or technically beyond their grasp. However, by
explaining in user-friendly language how poor regulation and voicing (for
example) relate to performance problems, teachers begin to understand how these
service procedures can benefit *them*. The end result is teachers enjoying
better music from their instruments, and often recommending such service to
their students.

Bill Spurlock