Titles, terminology, and such

[Susan Kline]

At 02:04 PM 4/11/99 -0400, you wrote: 
>
> Hi List,
>  
> I have a question I sincerely hope doesn't step on too many toes, for that's
> not my intent.
>  
> What can you tell me about how other organizations compare with the PTG? 
> What brings this to mind is some tossing about of the terms MPT, which I
> believe stands for Master Piano Technician, and IAPBT, which I do not
know if
> they have titles or designations as such.
>  
> For that matter, is there another level in the guild which goes beyond RPT?
>  
> I'm not really looking to start a battle, but if anyone feels they have a
> good handle on reality, I'd be interested in how this all fits together, or
> if any of it does for that matter.    :-)
>  
> Best to all,
>  
> Brian Trout
> Quarryville, Pa.


Hello, Brian

The MPT is a much smaller organization started by those who weren't happy with
the
PTG's decision to allow beginners into the organization. Those who are members
have
already had training and are active professionals. Many are also in the PTG,
and are
RPT's. The level required to join the MPT is supposed to be roughly equivalent
to
RPT. 

There is also an alternative organization in Canada, the CAPT (Canadian
Association
of Piano Technicians). Once again, many belong to both the CAPT and the PTG.

The IAPBT is different. It is an organization composed of other organizations
for 
piano technicians and builders. They hold some excellent tours, where they see
factories
in Europe and Asia. 

There are those who consider CTE's, those who have qualified to supervise the
RPT testing, to
be an elite group within the PTG, but many within the PTG discourage that
attitude. 

Susan Kline