That is sad to hear, but not unexpected I guess. The Australian factories closed about 30 years ago, putting us in the same position. Since then there have been several short term courses organised, as time and interest have allowed. Other than that, people have travelled overseas to Japan, Europe or USA to train, or found an older tuner locally willing to mentor them. If you want a good model to follow, just look to our friends in the USA, who have long ago realised the importance of a strong Piano Technicians Guild, with members willing to share information freely with those wanting to learn. Scott Jackson Wollongong NSW Australia -------------------------------------------------- > The closing down of Kemble this month sees the end of piano manufacture in > Britain. > > It's a long time since any grand pianos were made here, and now there will > be no uprights either. It's kinda sad really. > > As far as training for new tuner/technicians goes, how will there be any? > > It seems that there is very little "demand" in terms of young people > wanting to train in this field. There is only one course left, at Newark > in Nottinghamshire, and even that course seems to be hanging by a thread. > > And there are precious few rebuilding workshops, and the ones that exist > tend to be one-man busiesses who cannot afford to take on and train > apprentices. > > People are still buying and playing pianos, but they are of course made in > China. > > What will happen over the next few years?
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