Re PTG or MPT (best of both worlds)

[Rolland Miller]

Hello list,

Being a member of both the PTG and MPT I thought I would put in my two
cents worth.

I'm a retired school teacher (band director) who took a six month piano
tuning and repair course at the Perkins School in Elyria, OH.  I received
my diploma from that school, joined the PTG and went into business in
October of 1982.  In 1988 after a lot of PTG classes, work sessions with
chapter members and rebuilding & refinishing a number of project pianos, I
became a Registered Technician.

I suggest that you consider joining both groups - you will get to know more
technicians with whom to share, and will get see the piano service
profession from two different perspectives.

The PTG strengths are in its strong, active membership and many fine
classes.  The knowledge that a novice gains in attaining an RPT rating is
substantial and very helpful at a time when there are fewer opportunities
in the market to learn as an apprentice.

What difficulties I have had in the PTG are not with the PTG itself but
that I tend to back off when dealing with an individual who appears to me
to be highly temperamental, judgmental or opinionated.  For me this makes
good two way communication difficult.  I believe that these temper problems
have led to the alienation of some fine members.  These are not necessarily
PTG problems however, but human ones.

The MPT purposely has no rank - all are "equal" - even though equality is
probably impossible to actually accomplish.  However, the fact that the MPT
does not have a  ranking of it's members tends to tone down the tendency of
an of an aggressive person to claim "equality plus a bit more".  The
membership seems more laid back and not so concerned about rank or status,
or who is better or worse, or who is right or wrong.  Those things are more
apt to be left for the individual himself to judge.

I joined the MPT when one year I found that the PTG National Convention was
too far away for my budget. I live in Ohio and the MPT Convention that year
was in the state next door to me, Kentucky - I decided to join up and go to
the MPT Convention.  I got a cordial greeting from the group and enjoyed it
very much.  

There were about 30 members in attendance which meant that all could fit
into one class room.  There were 5 or 6 classes, given one at a time,
spread out over 2 days.  Everyone could attend each class.  We got to know
each other both socially and professionally.  Although there were a number
of "discussions" I don't recall anyone pulling rank or being high handed.

MPT Conventions are generally held in the Eastern part of the country  as
that is where most members live.  The 1998 MPT convention will be held in
Williamsburg, VA., August 6, 7, and 8.

I don't see the PTG and MPT as competing groups. Most MPT members are also
in PTG.  Ironically the MPT probably has a higher percentage of RPT's in
it's membership than exists in the PTG.

Also I notice the MPT has a group of younger members that are taking a more
active roll. Being an "older" person, 67  I am looking forward to seeing
this "younger generation MPT" roll up their sleeves and go to work. The
group also has good, experienced leadership.


Again, I suggest that you consider being a member of both PTG and MPT.
Each group has it's own set of goals.  There is plenty for each group to do
and plenty to do in each group - also you get to see our profession from
more than one point of view.

Rolland Miller (PTG/RPT & MPT) - an imperfect perfectionist but basically a
retired school teacher!!