Melanie, Tom, and List,
Not only are Melanie and Tom's responses reflective of the generous, considerate, giving attitude of the entire convention staff, they also convey the overall attitude and approach held by those who give their time and energy to prepare and teach, and the countless members who openly share information outside of the classrooms. This years convention was exceptional. It was well planned, executed with precision, and a shining example of the primary purpose of our organization: to share and disseminate knowledge openly in order to help raise the quality standards of our members. In addition, this convention offered a unique opportunity to participate in the concept of professional association. Most of our members who taught are not expert teachers, but rather those who are willing to volunteer years of hard earned experiential knowledge. They are to be affirmed and praised for being willing to have the courage to stand in front of their peers and openly share.
The planning committee is not some corporate, high level, high salaried, executive staff. They are members like you and me who take time out of their busy schedules to put together a format for the advancement of all of our careers. It is so true that if ones expectations of class content vs class description are not met, the teachers of the classes are available after the class periods in a non-formal environment and make themselves easily accessible for Q&A. I dare say that there is as great an exchange of knowledge and ideas outside of the class rooms as there is in the classrooms. All one needs to do is to assume responsibility to seek out what they desire, and ask.
Constructive criticism is but one approach to improving the performance of individuals and organizations. There is a simple, well understood principle in business: if you want to increase quality and production, reward those things which cause increase. If you want lower quality and performance, reward those thing which produce this decrease.
I would personally like to offer my gratitude, appreciation, congratulations, and heartfelt thanks to the planning committee, the entire convention staff, teachers, exhibitors, and participating members for an exceptional convention this year.
Michael
Michael C. Spreeman http://www.spreemanpianoinnovations.com
Date: Tue, 26 Jun 2007 20:10:08 -0500From: jajones2 at wisc.eduSubject: Fwd: Sivak & KC ClassesTo: pianotech at ptg.orgCC: Piano_lady at qwest.net; melanie-brooks at sbcglobal.net
Tom & List, I am forwarding a response which is appropriate to all technicians on our list , PTG or not, concerning the poor experience Tom reported at the Kansas City Institute. I am certain that Melanie will do her very, very best to bring the top instructors and specific topics reflecting their expertise to Anaheim in '08. As a former Institute Director I can assure you that every comment - good, bad or otherwise - is carefully consideredwhen planning this extensive Annual event. I do hope thatyou noted these problems on the evaluations forms prevalentin each and every class. I can assure you that I read everyword, reread, sorted, and took each comment into consideration when I planned Kansas City in '05. We all enjoy a good party, but foremost in every technician's mind isto further the service of our product ... THE PIANO. And, unlikemany professional organizations, PTG puts great emphasis on bringing to the Annual Institute topics directly related to our field.I have observed that every Instructor has graciously answered all questions asked during and after their classes. Even when they are in the hallways or receptions the Institute Faculty continue to address questions and discuss problems youmight have. PTG schmoozing - PRICELESS ! I look forward to seeing you at future Annuals and Regionals. Coincidentally, the Madison Chapter is hosting the Central EastRegional on October 4 - 7, 2007. Among the technical classes we are featuring is an afternoon with specialists from the National Forest Product Laboratory designed to address piano problems.Look for a mailing soon, or send me an email so I can give you more info on the Central East Regional.JoelJoel Jones, RPTMadison, WIBegin forwarded message:
From: Melanie Brooks <melanie-brooks at sbcglobal.net>Date: June 26, 2007 4:36:34 PM CDTTo: jajones2 at wisc.edu, Malinda Powell <piano_lady at qwest.net>Subject: Sivak Thank you so much for the clear and detailed feedback on your personal experience of the 2007 PTG Convention. I am sorry that the Institute did not meet your needs this year. As a volunteer team with the majority of our Instructors non-professional teachers, we all do our best work to try to forward the education and fulfillment of all PTG members. The planning for the 2008 Convention begins almost immediately and your comments will be taken into consideration as we try to make improvements each year. The Institute team understands the need for the class material to meet the title and description of the classes offered. You will note that this question was present on all of the class evaluation forms. We review these forms each year in an effort to make the best choices of classes and instructors for the future. Fortunately your experience seems to be incongruant with many of the participants I have spoken with. Whether they made better personal class choices or they were able to gain something from other areas of the convention, I am not sure, but it is truly my hope that you will not remain bitter and will be able find something positive to have taken from the energy and the incredible talent that is available at these events. As Institute Director for 2008, I am open to any constructive suggestions on class selections, topics, instructors and/or overall format for the Institute. Please feel free to contact me at anytime if you think there is something that my team and I can do to make your next PTG Convention more successful. Kind regards, Melanie BrooksInstitute Director 2008
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