In a message dated 4/11/99 8:46:00 AM Central Daylight Time, Piano@forte.airtime.co.uk writes: << Why do use models? Are they one octave models. Why not use a piano in the test. Barrie, >> Good question, Barrie. There has been some discussion of this. At the International Association of Piano Builders and Technicians (IAPBT) conference that followed the PTG Annual Convention in July 1995 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, it was noted that the Japan Association of Piano Technicians had such a procedure. They also required a person to perform a 20 cent pitch raise before going on to the fine tuning exam. One problem with their tuning exam, however was the lack of any written standard. Judging was always done by a small jury of "elders", others who were recognized as seasoned professionals. If they thought the tuning was acceptable, the applicant was admitted. Clearly, PTG has the best tuning exam procedure known to the world at this time even though it is not perfect and may never be. The Japanese idea of a pitch raise tuning has merit and in a way, it can be implemented at the Chapter level through the screening process. Informally, the applicant demonstrates his/her skills and if they seem strong enough to take on the actual exam, the recommendation is made. In the Technical Exam, a single key, wippen and hammer assembly vertical action model is used but the grand action model has three units. This provides for some minimal demonstration of evenness in such things as repetition spring tension regulation, key level, dip and aftertouch. The immediate question arises however of how well using any model reflects a person's actual ability to handle a real and whole piano. The best that can be done is that the applicant's every detail is scrutinized whereas in a real piano, absolute perfection in regulation might be as difficult to attain as the same perfection in tuning: it is somewhat elusive. Many applicants do not pass on their first attempt even though most of them are professional piano technicians. They find out where their weaknesses are, study and practice those areas and attempt to pass the previously failed portion at a later date. There is a limit too on how long the process can take. For many, passing the PTG RPT Exams is a major hurdle and accomplishment. Anytime an applicant completes the process at a Convention or Regional Seminar, an announcement of "New RPT's" is made at the banquet. The new RPT's rise to be applauded and recognized. At the Convention, new RPT's who have gained that status within the past year are given a special colored ribbon that identifies them. They are recognized and greeted by their colleagues everywhere they go for their accomplishment. Still, it is realized that the passing of these exams only represents an achievement of Minimum Professional Standards. There will and should be whole new horizons for that person to look forward to and cross in the coming years. This puts the statements I have seen many make about "just not bothering to take those exams, I know I could pass" into a very clear perspective. There is another group for them where that is considered the norm. Bill Bremmer RPT Madison, Wisconsin
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