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Our primary objective is to nurture the next generation of piano tuner/technicians by laying the groundwork for developing the skills necessary to maintain performance instruments. Our instructors have worked with concert artists from across the globe. There is indeed a genuine demand for comprehensive, high-level piano technicians.

Fewer and fewer piano tuners are acquiring aural tuning skills. Presently, the prevailing tendency among piano tuners is to rely on ETDs - Electronic Tuning Devices. However, there is a distinct need within the Piano Technicians Guild for individuals with aural tuning skills. Cultivating your aural tuning skills can lead to a high proficiency in voicing and regulation skills.

Some argue that aural tuning skills are redundant when using an ETD. Our response is: You don't know what you don't know! Tuning is deeply tied to music and is as much about art as it is about science. The human ear can perceive nuances that machines cannot.

Another aspect to consider is that piano sales are not as robust as they once were. Nevertheless, statistics indicate that if new pianos are not sold, the number of existing pianos requiring regular tuning and maintenance will exceed 10,000 per active piano tuner. Considering that most individuals continue to tune their older pianos, the potential for new technicians is very promising.

The course is open to all who are interested. Applicants should have normal hearing. Keep in mind there are many aural tuners today that use hearing aids, so that isn’t necessarily an issue. Candidates should be physically fit and able to lift 30lbs. Having a mechanical aptitude with average finger dexterity is also helpful. A self-motivating spirit and a willingness to learn are essential, and students should be able to dedicate a minimum of 3.5 hours per week to study and practice, with six hours per week being ideal. There is a real need, not just for people who can tune pianos, but people who can service them. There is a need for good action and tone regulators.

Yes! And it should be in reasonable condition. The tuning pins should be tight, and the tone should not be too bright. If the tone is too bright, we will show you how to 'voice' the piano down so it will not be permanent.

No. A musical background is not necessary. The course covers the required information to learn the names of the keys and the intervals used in tuning. Playing the piano is advantageous because you will already be familiar with musical intervals and their relationships.

This is a structured 18-month course. Some have finished it in 12 months. Others have taken 18 months or a little longer. And to be frank, some have dropped out. They didn't appreciate the effort involved in learning this profession. It's like playing a musical instrument. You have to practice! You get out of it what you put in.

One side point. Some students can go out and tune before they complete the course. This offsets, to some degree, the cost of the course. It also allows them to gain experience in tuning other pianos. 

The technical segment of the course is not separate from the tuning segment. Most students will begin the technical segment after they're at least halfway through the tuning segment. This is an essential aspect of your training. "You can't tune a piano if the notes don't play." Repair and regulation are part of earning your diploma from The Butler School of Piano Technology and obtaining your certification from the Piano Technicians Guild.

Frequency is the most critical aspect of practicing. The more often you practice in a week and in a day, the better. For those with busy schedules, practicing at least 3 days a week is enough to show improvement. However, those wanting to complete the course in 9-12 months should practice every day.

For example, it takes virtuosos an average of 10,000 hours to master their skill, while amateurs only need 20 focused hours to learn the fundamental basics of a skill. To reach 10,000 hours of practice, one would have to practice 3 hours a day for 9 years, 2 hours a day for 14 years, or 1 hour a day for 27 years. To reach 20 hours, one would have to practice 2 hours a day for 10 days, 1 hour a day for 20 days, or 30 minutes for 40 days. This is much more manageable, and I suggest students set consecutive goals of 20 hours each (preferably in 10 weeks or less), mastering a subset of skills each time. In my experience, it takes a minimum of 2 hours spread over three days each week to show improvement. Less than that sets a student up for frustration and failure, while more focused practice almost always leads to more success.

The cost of piano tunings can vary depending on the location. In some areas, tunings range from $75 to $125, while in the Washington D.C. area, they range from $165.00 to $330.00. A full-time, experienced tuner/technician can earn between $35,000 and $125,000 per year. Additional income opportunities may come from accessory sales, piano rebuilding, rentals, and retail sales. There are over 17 million pianos in the United States, and the demand for qualified piano technicians is expected to continue growing. (Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics and 1999 PTG Member Survey)

It's important to remember that this is not a business course. Piano tuners generally run their own businesses and have control over their schedules. Starting a successful piano tuning business takes time, usually 3-5 years. Many people begin learning how to tune pianos as a side job and gradually transition to full-time work if they choose to. It's recommended to seek training in small business operations, financial management, taxation, marketing, and customer service to succeed in this field.