pianotech-digest V1997 #1626

[Greg Newell]

Cliff,
    This is a very valid response for those interested in working in that venue. It is
a small segment of the tuner/techs out there and an even smaller segment of our
collective clientele. In my mind, my point still stands. Thanks for your response!
                                Greg Newell

Cliff Maurer wrote:

> > Date: Sun, 11 Apr 1999 22:45:02 -0600
> > From: "Glenn" <rockymtn@sprynet.com>
> > Subject: Re: Classification,clarification,&accountability
> >
> > |David and list,
> > |    I have been an associate member since joining the guild in '84. I
> > |take my work seriously and do continue to try and improve my skills as a
> > |tuner/technician. I have seen no real need to pursue upgrading to RPT
> > |just so that I can have or employ the right to use three letters after
> > |my name. It is enough for me that I have the information and skills and
> > |know how to use them. The vast majority of my client base has no clue
> > |what the designation RPT is much less what the PTG is.
> > |    Regarding the what if statements in general; I feel that your
> > |intentions are good and in an ideal world the implementation of them
> > |would be a worthy pursuit. The world we now live in has as a basic fact
> > |of life that some , even those who hold high qualifications, do sloppy
> > |work. Forcing upon someone a mentor or sponsor would not guarantee
> > |accountability in this profession any more than it does in any other.
> > |Ever been to a bad doctor, lawyer, dentist, mechanic lately?
> > |    Summarily, I feel that you can't change a persons attitude toward
> > |the quality of work they choose to do simply by changing their
> > |designation in a virtually unknown (to the public) organization. I
> > |support the guild in the theory of furthering the education of it's
> > |membership that actually cares to learn. This like any other profession
> > |will have it's stragglers. Some of them may even be able to pass the
> > |test but it will not guarantee any level of competence or workmanship in
> > |the field. I hope that I did not ruffle too many feathers here. I have
> > |the highest respect for you all.
> > |                Sincerely,
> > |                    Greg Newell
> > |
> > Greg,
>
>         If what you say is true, then why do most of the colleges and universities
> that have full time technicians make RPT the no.1 requirement, before looking at
> anything else
> on their job applications?
>     I know this from first hand experience. I had previously been a RPT for 12
> years,and a tuner tech for 28.
>                                             Cliff Maurer