"School Bids-n-Proposals"

[Frank Cahill]

Daleboy wrote:
> 
> Dear Lisa and List,
>      I have recently had a unique experience with our local school system here
> in middle Tennessee. I am under the impression that the service contract for
> piano work is currently issued to another local tuner....however.....I have
> gotten calls from at least three schools in this particular county. The pianos
> were serviced at my regular prices (plus mileage) and the staffs of the
> schools have never mentioned any discounts. Some of the pianos had been
> "Tooned" within the last month. I am puzzled by this as I know how the system
> "usually works"....I ain't askin' a lot of questions tho. Evidently there are
> systems that exist within systems, if you know what I mean. Perhaps these
> request were funded privately in order to get around the contract issue, eh?
>       I do agree with Bill Bremmer's approach to the situation by meeting with
> the powers that be and that schools most often don't know how and where to
> appoint their funds earmarked for the "arts".......but......so many schools
> districts across the nation have DRASTICLY reduced their monies for the upkeep
> of ALL music programs, not just service for pianos! Private interest may be
> the key for funding piano service in our schools...I dunno......
>        Behind all of this looms a larger question.......
> What will happen to our future musicians if we don't keep these programs in-
> tact at a "Grass Roots" level........$10 per piano.......GAWD!!!!!!!
> Regards,
> Dale Whitehead,
> Franklin Piano Restorations


Perhaps the key to all this is NOT to bid on school tunings!  If no one
bids (fat chance, huh?), maybe that will open some eyes.

In addition, steps should be taken to educate.  Easier said than done. 
I have a brochure which lists all of my services.  Most people have
never heard of voicing or regulating.  Sometimes, when people are told
that instrument performance can be improved with regulation and/or
voicing, I get the go-ahead. They are always happy with the result!

I've only been doing this work for 2.5 years on a full-time basis.  The
business is much harder than I ever imagined.  The basic problem is lack
of respect for music.  

Here in the workaholic Wash. D.C. area, I've heard people say that
"music and music lessons are a WASTE OF TIME. After all, you can'at make
a living at it." 

Many people here view all pursuits in life as a springboard to making
money.  All activities should be competitive to better prepare you for
the work of work. If they don't, they are a waste.

As far as school tunings...at my daughter's school they had a talent
show about a year ago. The pianos were extremely out of tune.  I offered
the music teacher a FREE tuning for this year, knowing that cutbacks
have limited tuning opportunities.  She has never taken up the offer! 
Now that has me puzzled!

Frank Cahill
Northern Va