[pianotech] Tools for Sale

[Michelle Smith]

My "real" feelings?  Well, here's the Cliff Notes version.  (For those  
of you who don't care, you have my permission to delete.  Quick!   
Before you change your mind!)

I started tuning to create a flexible day job so I could be home for  
my kids in the evening.  I love visiting with customers in their  
homes, I love my local chapter (Austin TX PTG rocks!), and I  
especially love the difference I can make in a customer's piano.   
However, piano tuning is a lot more physical than I was led to believe  
when I started this gig.  I'm not a particularly strong person and  
tuning/repairing/pulling actions wears me out.  I just can't see  
myself doing this job when I'm 50, 60, 70 years old like you strong  
men are able to do.  (I'm jealous.)

So I really had to stop and think about where I want to be down the  
road and honestly, my gift is working with and advocating for kids.   
(I have a Master's in Music Ed.)  This year I'll be teaching private  
lessons for the local high school while also starting my Doctorate in  
School Improvement which will lead me toward a career as an  
administrator or consultant.

There is a lot more to this story but I think I'd better return to my  
seat.  Yes, I've sold most of my tools.  Yes, I've kept the basic  
tools to tune for friends/family.  Yes, I will still brag on all you  
wonderful techs even though you're going to respond to this e-mail  
with passion.  (Please be kind!)

Best wishes!

Michelle Smith

On Aug 16, 2009, at 10:11 PM, David Ilvedson wrote:

> I would like to know how you came about this decision?   I'm  
> interested in your "real" feelings about what your were doing "piano  
> work" and where you are now going and why?
>
> David Ilvedson, RPT
> Pacifica, CA  94044
>
> ----- Original message ----------------------------------------
> From: "Michelle Smith" <michelle at smithpianoservice.com>
> To: pianotech at ptg.org
> Received: 8/15/2009 8:07:39 AM
> Subject: [pianotech] Tools for Sale
>
>
>> Hi all.  It's been a long time since I've been on the Pianotech list
>> and I miss reading your posts.  In the Fall, I'll be leaving the
>> tuning business and going back to school.  To help pay for tuition,
>> I'm selling my tools which are all in excellent condition.  Please e-
>> mail me directly if you'd like a list of what is for sale.
>
>> Best wishes to all of you!
>
>> Michelle Smith
>> michelle at smithpianoservice.com
>