Basic Overview
We believe the strength of the course is in its approach to learning. There's an online instruction manual, a library of online instructional videos, and a personal feedback program.
The Butler School of Piano Technology
Piano Tuning School
Learn Piano Tuning at your own pace!
Online Instruction Manual
The information presented in the online instruction manual is presented in a simple, concise manner. Why? Information gathered by reading takes time. I want you to spend as much time as possible, working at the piano. Therefore, we have tried to prioritize the written information you'll need to maintain a good pace, and at the same time, develop your skills at the piano.
Too much information or an overload of material can cause anxiety. The same is true if we have insufficient information or, worse still, incorrect information. So, I don't want you to be drowned in information and starved for knowledge. Therefore, I have presented a balanced array of material that will allow you to progress as rapidly and efficiently as possible.
For example, learning to tune pianos aurally requires a basic understanding of music and the piano keyboard. If you don't have any knowledge of the piano keyboard, we'll teach you the names of the keys and the musical intervals you will use in tuning a piano, and even the correct fingering. You'll have what you need to move forward, and it will not be that difficult.
Some of the subjects that are discussed in this course can be rather deep. So, we've tried to use simple words and short sentences, which are powerful tools of communication. Again, we've attempted to eliminate unnecessary details but provide you what you need to know.
If you like, you can print each lesson of the instruction manual using your printer. Some students like a printed copy to make notes and highlight text. Each paragraph is numbered, and there are self-study questions on the bottom of the page, which will help you to grasp the main points being made.
The Video Library
The Online Video Library is a significant part of our course. Here, you'll be able to watch how the information presented in the instruction manual is applied. The Video Library is password-protected, so you'll be provided a username and password. We're always adding and updating this library.
Video Library
The Online Video Library is a significant part of our course. Here, you'll be able to watch how the information presented in the instruction manual is applied. The Video Library is password-protected, so you'll be provided a username and password. We're always adding and updating this library.
Personal Feedback
We believe our tuning lessons are what sets this course apart from the others. Think about it. Learning to tune pianos requires much more than learning the answers to questions about piano tuning. Yes, we ask you to complete the written exams. That's very important. But we also ask you to submit aural tuning exams via the internet. These exams allow us to monitor your progress. When you submit your aural tuning exam one day, we will review it and provide the necessary feedback within a week. How will we respond? Most of the time, it's with an email.
Additionally, we have an arrangement for live tutoring sessions via the internet. You'll need a computer, video cam, external mic [usb mic works well], and headphones. You can schedule your online tutoring session by clicking on the calendar link in the navigation window.
Personalized Video Feedback
But sometimes, emails aren't enough. We might email you a direct link to a personalized video that only you can view. Below is an example of such a video. Along with the instructional tuning videos, this approach has proved to be very successful. This is indeed a one-on-one strategy that works.
Additionally, we have an arrangement for live tutoring sessions via the internet. You'll need a computer, video cam, external mic [usb mic works well], and headphones. You can schedule your online tutoring session by clicking on the calendar link in the navigation window.
The Lessons
The course has 21 lessons. There are self-study questions for each lesson.
Lesson One: Making a Good Start
Lesson Two: The Other Masters of the Piano
Lesson Three: The Piano - A Brief History
Lesson Four: Basic Designs of Pianos
Lesson Five: The Environment and the Piano
Lesson Six: Basic Music Theory
Lesson Seven: The Nature of Sound
Lesson Eight: Introduction to Tuning
Lesson Nine: Unisons and Octaves
Lesson Ten: Fifths and Fourths
Lesson Eleven: Closed Group Intervals
Lesson Twelve: The Major Third
Lesson Thirteen: Tuning Chromatic Thirds
Lesson Fourteen: The Major Sixth
Lesson Fifteen: Tuning Contiguous Thirds
Lesson Sixteen: Aural Gauge Tools
Lesson Seventeen: The minor Third
Lesson Eighteen: The Fifth Dimension Tool
Lesson 19: The Sixth Dimension Tool
Lesson 20: Equal Temperament
Lesson 21: Tuning Below the Temperament
Lesson 22: Tuning Above the Temperament
Lesson 23: Dynamic Unisons
Lessons TL1 through TL6 cover the information needed to pass the PTG Technical Exam.
Lesson TL1: Introduction to the Grand Piano
Lesson TL2: Introduction to the Vertical Piano
Lesson TL3: Action Geometry
Lesson TL4: Regulating the Grand Action Model
Lesson TL5: Regulating the Vertical Action Model
Lesson TL6: General Repairs
Recommended Tools for Tuning
Tools are sold separately and can be purchased at a professional discount from Schaff Piano Supply.
List of Recommended Tools to begin the course
These tools cost about $195 plus shipping
Craftsmen Tuning lever with head and #2 star tip
Tuning lever Tip #1, 2, 3 and 4 star tip
Tuning lever Wrench
Temperament Strip standard
Universal Bass String and Tuning Pin Gauge
4 - Mutes with wire handles
4 - Rubber wedge mutes
Papp's Treble Mute
Korg Chromatic Tuner CA 40 (purchased locally or from Amazon)
Recommended Tools for Regulation and Repair
Tools can be added and purchased as needed.
Combination Tool Handle
Offset Key Spacer for combination handle
Slotted Screwdriver for combination handle
Screwdriver for combination handle
Phillips Screwdriver for combination handle
Regulation screwdriver for combination handle
Hart Spring tool
Grand jack screw regulation
Steinway Capstan screw regulator
8” Tweezers
Grand shank press
Hammer shank miter box
Flange bushing broach kit
Rigid shaft screw holder
Hypo Oiler
Alcohol Lamp
Alcohol Lamp wicks
Center pin case filled with pins
3/8” Key dip block
13/32” Key dip block
7/16” Key dip block
Capstan screw wrench, grand and upright
Jack screw regulator with handle, grand
Drop screw regulator with wooden handle, grand
Tuning pin crank
Needle nose pliers
Repining tool
Key easing pliers
Factory type wire bending pliers
Center pin nippers
Gram gauge
Digital micrometer
Hardened stainless steel rule
Suede brush
These tools are the same tools that I have in my tool case, with one exception. The alcohol lamp that I carry is no longer available. However, the alcohol lamp listed above is pretty good.
Three note Vertical Action Model
You can order tools from:
Schaff Piano Supply Co.
451 Oakwood Road
Lake Zurich, IL 60047
Phone: (847) 438-7164
Fax: (847) 438-4615
http://www.schaffpiano.com