Community College Work

[Ted Simmons]

I have been asked to bid on tuning a local community college's pianos. 
These pianos have been recently purchased and the dealer told the music
director that they should need a tuning only once a year.  Now that's
baloney and I can get through that OK.  But what I would like to know is
what would I be letting myself in for if I take this contract.  Some
things I worry about is access to the pianos whenever I want to. Also,
what about charging for tunings and extra work.  Should I give them a
discount (we're talking about 15 pianos)?  What about concerts for the
stage piano?  I'm inclined to charge extra for concert tunings because
it involves more than just tuning.  It involves checking all mechanical
operations as well as voicing.  Would it be unreasonable to charge a
double tuning charge?  Before Christmas I was scheduled to tune their
stage piano at noon.  I showed up right on time but they were still
rehearsing their Christmas program.  I had to wait around for a
half-hour before the rehearsal was over.  Delays like that are something
to consider in finalizing a contract.  Can anyone give me some pointers
to help me out in this matter?  

Ted Simmons
Merritt Island, FL