List: I think we should give great honor to the listees who took their RPT exam at the convention - It was great to run into Brian in the elevator and see his new RPT status on his shirt! I know that Richard Brekne also passed the RPT test, and immediately went to the CTE training and began assisting in the administration of tests. Congrats Richard! Congrats also to the council for finding a way for the international correspondents to join up as RPTs - and the Texoma chapter for gaining two fine RPTs! Clearly both of these men serve their communities well, and we on the list also gain from their contributions. They both testify to the worth of not only the outcome, but the process itself - a positive learning experience assisted by a group of encouraging peers. I agree with Patrick about upgrading; we need to keep encouraging our fellow Associates to take the RPT test. I realize that the ebb in local chapter attendance in my region might be reversed by efforts to encourage our peers to join and upgrade; I will increase my energy that direction. Bill Shull, RPT (rejoined the RPT ranks recently myself!) University of Redlands, La Sierra University, Riverside City College Patrick Draine's post: <> Brian's post: << Hi ! when I signed off the list back in mid June I was off to the UK to try my hand (and ears) at the PTA (Piano Tuners Association) exam. Well unfortunately the only time they could fit me in was the same day I arrived in the UK, so with only 3 hours sleep from a 12 trip on the plane my results were not too good. There exam is divided into technical, oral and tuning. The tech part is on a real upright piano to replace a butt spring, bridle tape and damper spring, then recentre a flange and replace a broken shank. This was followed with regulating 5 notes of a one octave action model (you are told which 5) with each note having two major faults in the regulation. That all went well, as welll as the the oral, which was on sections of case part names (British terminology), repair methods, piano design/contruction, grand and upright regulation. Their tuning test was on a small Schimmel upright, set at 517hz, to tune up to 523.3hz (the Brits use C rather than A), this timed at 2 hours, it was in a small airless room on a hot day and with my lack of sleep, I failed this. I was then asked to leave (which is the procedure for their exam) and was told the results would be sent to me, which they were. So unlike the PTG exams there is no discussion and learning experience given by the British examiners. Thier requirements are that you cant retest until 6 months After the exam. About two weeks later when I arrived in the USA I did my written test and passed that, despite some very ambigious questions and having to overcome some American terminology. Later in the week I took my tuning exam, got my pitch ok but messed up on my temprement and midrange - Part one failed The next day I took the technical exam, Grand and Vertical regulation and the repairs (including splice which went well) which I all passed. Sunday came, the last day of the convention, I took the tuning part one again, got it this time! Someone on the list once said that they are just a bunch of tests you pass, but for me they represent a standard, to work by, to and with as well to indulge myself in the signicance of the letters which now follow my name. Brian Lawson, RPT Johannesburg, South Africa Texoma International Chapter >>
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