Questions

Q: Is it possible to learn piano technology through a home-study course?

A: Yes. Many technicians today have learned the basic concepts through a home-study course. However, refined tuning skills need to be taught privately. The Piano Technicians Guild has arrangements for private tutoring at their national and regional conventions. Our School offers private tutoring to beginning, intermediate and advanced students on a regular basis. And, we refer our students to Registered Technicians in their locality for private tutoring as well. Check our calendar for specific dates and times. All students are encouraged to join the Piano Technicians Guild and attend the local chapter meetings.

 

Q: Must I have access to a piano to practice tuning?

A: Yes. You should have access to a piano for one, two or more hours a day. It is best that this is a piano that does not have real tight tuning pins, although the piano should be in reasonable good shape. Manipulating tight tuning pins requires the skill of a professional piano tuner.

 

Q: Do I have to know how to play the piano in order to learn how to tune pianos?

A: No. However, there is some advantage in that you are already familiar with the keyboard and intervals. If your not, they are covered in the course.

 

Q: How long does it take to complete the course?

A: The course is designed to be completed within 18 to 24 months

 

Q: How much do Piano Technicians earn?

A: A full time technician can earn from $25,000 - $100,000 a year or more, depending on the area in which you live. The average cost of a tuning in the Washington D.C. area is between $125.00 and $195.00. An average technician can complete 3-4 tunings in a day.

 

Q: Are the tools included in the course?

A: The basic tools are included in the course. However, We offer additional tools, including specialty tools related to rebuilding pianos.

 

Q: I notice you teach rebuilding. Do I have to know how to rebuild pianos in order to earn a living tuning pianos?

A: No, But having a knowledge of rebuilding will better enable you to service and repair pianos even though you don't plan to rebuild pianos. Rebuilding is not part of the certification exams given by the Piano Technicians Guild. However, many tuners wish to rebuild or restore pianos as a side line to their normal service work. Rebuilding pianos does require a shop in which to work.

 

Q: Will I receive a diploma upon successful completion of this course?

A: Yes. Upon satisfactory completion of this course, each graduate is issued a Diploma from the Butler School of Piano Technology. The diploma is suitable for framing, and you will be proud to display it in your office or home.

 

More questions? Please send me an e-mail and I'll be happy to answer any of your questions.

rickbutler@thebutlerschool.org