Newton's situation has got me (and apparently most of us) thinking about university situations in general. The following does NOT apply to Newton's situation. But since this is a college and university tech forum (in principle), there's a subject I think is worth mentioning: the fine art of (humble) self-promotion. If your situation is like mine, I get little feedback about good work that I do at the college. I get INSTANT response when something isn't right. I noticed when I came here that everybody spoke about the recently deceased previous technician as though he was a member of the family. NOBODY talks about what a good tuner he was. From what I can tell, his work was adequate but maybe not even up to the general level of this list. But everybody still worships him. He made a point of knowing everybody, students, faculty, community people. He contacted them personally about recital needs. He attended recitals (which I often skip -- after a while, I just don't want to hear sounds) and other events. And he left a lasting legacy of good feelings. He collapsed tuning a harpsichord (hall of fame way to go). When I was called to replace him, it became clear that it would be hard to fill the gap he left. But I tried to build personal relationships with the faculty, learn as many names of students as possible, and one more thing. He used his door as a communications base. So I try to do the same. I post interesting piano-related articles, including unusual pictures from the PTG Journal. I list what work I've accomplished recently, especially during breaks when nobody knows what I've done. I post a list of my work priorities for the week or month or quarter. And I cross off what gets done. When there are concerns, I put something on my door to the effect that I'm aware of the situation, I'm working on it, and I would value input (almost every pianist has opinions as to what pianos should sound like and feel like, and at least get it off their chest). I also have a sheet for people to leave me requests for service, and I try to take care of them within one week, sooner if possible (I should mention I'm here 20 hrs/week). I also do some accompanying, which is enjoyable for me, helps me know the students and faculty, and most importantly, keeps me aware of what pianos are a pleasure to play and which ones you have to fight. The main goal I use the door for is to call their attention to the fact that I'm busting my tail to make the place a good home for music. It works. I'll often open the door to come out of the office and almost bump into one or two people standing there reading the articles, which get changed every week or so. Maybe it shouldn't have to be this way, but if you're doing a good job, it doesn't hurt to at least subtly let people know. Fall quarter, I fell behind, because we had a few piano crises which sucked up all my work time and took me away from the regular maintenance tunings. There were some pretty irritated freshman, who of course didn't know me. I was astounded and gratified to find out that the upper-classmen in general told them, look, he's doing the best he can, and the college limits him to 20 hours a week for 100 pianos. Thankfully this quarter I'm mostly caught up -- which means, I'm only way behind instead of way, way behind. There are a lot of "cons" to college work. There are also some real rewards, most of which are not monetary. Newton ran into a strange situation beyond his control. Those of us still working in college situations can't take them for granted. Go on the offensive! If you're doing a good job, make sure people know. Keep a copy of every accolade and thank-you that comes your way, and not just to prove your competency to an administrator who may doubt it -- it also helps YOU remember what you've contributed on those days when you feel like you're not worth much. Or am I the only one who has those? Sorry to go on forever. Mark Graham Baldwin-Wallace Conservatory of Music
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