KC Classes

[Elwood Doss]

I really enjoyed the KC convention.  The classes I attended were quite
good and very informative.  On none of them did I feel like I was not
picking up something that would benefit me or add to my understanding of
piano technology.  I especially enjoyed the Kawai Concert on Friday
night.  In fact, that classical recital is always a highlight of the
week and one of the main things to which wife and I look forward.  I
appreciate the quality of the music that Kawai presents in the concerts
they host.  Since I've become an RPT we have attended the Golden Hammer
Banquet too.  Why, I don't know.  Prior to becoming an RPT we would show
up after the banquet for the Kawai Concert.

 

I was pleased that Steinway got on the bandwagon this year and presented
an excellent piano trio.  In fact, this is the first Steinway
presentation I've attended.  I hope they keep on the same "classical
performance" track for future conventions.

 

If it weren't for the Convention/Institute, I very well may not have
become an RPT.  I have attended numerous classes and tutoring sessions
and, as I reflect on it, find that I took classes that provided the
training I needed to take the exams.  My chapter RPTs helped as far as
training was concerned, but it was the INSTITUTES that provided the
training and encouragement to take the RPT exams.  For Associates who
are concerned about upgrading, my advice would be to go to the
Conventions (and regional seminars also).  It's one thing to gripe about
your status...it's something else to do something about it.  The former
says something about your character; the latter says something about
your tenacity.  I know!

Joy!

Elwood

 

 

 

Elwood Doss, Jr., M.M.E., RPT

Piano Technician/Technical Director

Department of Music

145 Fine Arts Building

The University of Tennessee at Martin

Martin, TN  38238

731/881-1852

FAX: 731/881-7415

HOME: 731/587-5700

________________________________

From: Rob Mitchell [mailto:tpa2sfr at pacbell.net] 
Sent: Wednesday, June 27, 2007 11:10 AM
To: 'Pianotech List'
Subject: KC Classes

 

As someone who came to the piano business relatively late in life, I
wanted to comment on my recent experiences in Kansas City.  Over my
engineering career, I've been to many technical conferences, classes,
trade shows, seminars, etc.  And through the years, I learned to go into
these with fairly low expectations.  Maybe for one out of five classes,
I'd say to myself, "now that was worth my time".  Most of the time, it
was some self-obsessed instructor droning on about some obscure topic.
But, what the heck, the company was paying for it, so absorb what you
can.

 

Now perhaps it's because I'm new and have so much to learn, but I have
to say I was overwhelmingly impressed with the quality and consistency
of classes in KC (especially since now it's on my nickel!).   Sure,
you're always going to get a few "misses" where it either wasn't the
topic you were expecting or the instructor lacks good presentation
skills.  And since it's my money and my business, I have no problem
leaving early in a class that wasn't what I expected.  Nothing personal
to the instructors, just not the right class for me.  But overall, I'd
say nine out of ten classes were spot-on what I wanted to hear.  

 

I'll also second the notion that you need to listen to what others have
to say about classes and instructors.  I specifically attended David
Andersen's second class because of all the "buzz" - wow, was I
impressed.  I had a great time at the convention, it was thoroughly
worth my time and I can't wait until next year.  Compared to what I've
seen in other industries, the PTG can be justifiably proud of the
technical institute.  

 

 

Rob Mitchell

 

Mitchell Piano Service

www.mitchellpianoservice.com

(415) 994-1030

 

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