6-Month Accelerated Aural Piano Tuning & Repair Program
A Structured, Immersive Path to Real Skill—In Just Six Months
If you’re serious about learning piano tuning and want the fastest path to real competence, this program is designed for you. Unlike self-paced study—where progress can stall or drift—this accelerated program provides clear structure, consistent expectations, and direct, ongoing one-on-one guidance with Rick Butler to keep you moving forward every week. This is focused training with momentum—guided by an experienced professional who is working with you personally at each stage of your development.
By the end of this program, you will have the knowledge and practical foundation necessary to successfully pursue and pass the Piano Technicians Guild (PTG) certification exams. That said, completing this course does not mean you are a fully seasoned or experienced technician. Like a graduate of medical school who must enter a hospital to truly learn how to apply their knowledge, your real growth continues in the field—through experience, repetition, and exposure to a wide range of instruments.
What this program does provide is something essential:
the ability to begin working.
You will leave with the skills required to start tuning pianos professionally, continue developing your ear, and refine your technical judgment through real-world application.
We strongly recommend that all aspiring professionals join the Piano Technicians Guild. The PTG offers a community of experienced technicians, ongoing education, and valuable opportunities that will help you broaden your experience and continue developing at a high level.
Why Choose the Accelerated Program
Learning piano tuning requires consistency.
Without it, even strong students can lose direction.
This program ensures:
- Steady weekly progress
- Clear expectations and accountability
- Frequent, real-time instruction
- Faster development of both ear and technique
Because mastering the complexities of real pianos—including Inharmonicity—requires consistent, guided practice.
What You’ll Learn
You will complete the same comprehensive curriculum as our full program—within a focused six-month schedule.
Aural Tuning Training
- Interval recognition and refinement
- Development of a precise musical ear
- Control of the tuning lever
- Full keyboard tuning with musical accuracy
Technical Training (Repair & Regulation)
- Action geometry fundamentals
- Regulation principles
- Essential repair techniques
You will build both the listening skills and the hands-on ability required for professional-level work.
A Structured Weekly Learning Process
Each week, you’ll be assigned specific material to complete:
- Lesson study (reading + demonstrations)
- Guided tuning exercises
- Practical application at your piano
- Direct feedback and correction
This structure eliminates guesswork and ensures continuous progress.
Frequent One-on-One Instruction
A defining feature of this program is the level of personal interaction.
- Meet 2–3 times per week (or more if needed)
- Receive real-time guidance as you work
- Correct mistakes early—before they become habits
- Refine your ear with immediate feedback
This level of support allows you to advance faster and with greater confidence than in a self-directed format.
An Immersive Learning Experience
This is not a casual course.
To succeed, you should be prepared to:
- Treat the program as a serious daytime commitment
- Maintain consistent weekday availability
- Engage fully in each week’s assignments
The more focused your effort, the more you will gain from the experience.
Tools & Equipment Requirements
To support your training, you will need:
A Dedicated Practice Piano
- Used exclusively for tuning practice
- Not maintained for performance
- In good working condition
Basic Tools & Models
- Tuning tools (estimated $300–$500 initial investment)
- Vertical and grand action models for technical study
You will be guided to reliable suppliers and appropriate equipment.
Who This Program Is For
This program is best suited for:
- Highly motivated beginners
- Students who want a fast, structured path
- Individuals who thrive with accountability and guidance
- Those ready to commit focused time and effort
If you prefer flexibility and a slower pace, a self-paced program may be a better fit.
Why an Interview Is Required
Because of the intensity and commitment involved, we require a brief interview before enrollment.
This ensures:
- The program matches your goals
- You understand the expectations
- You are set up for success from the beginning
This is a serious investment of time and effort—for both student and instructor.
A Faster Path to a Valuable Skill
Piano tuning is a rare combination of craftsmanship and musical listening.
With consistent guidance and disciplined effort, you can develop real, practical ability in a relatively short time.
This program is designed to get you there efficiently—without sacrificing quality.
Request an Interview
If you’re ready for a structured, immersive experience—and want to avoid the delays and uncertainty of self-paced study—this program offers a clear path forward.
Serious students only.
👉 Request an Interview
👉 Schedule a Call to Learn More - Phone or Text 240 396 7480
👉 Side-by-Side Comparison of the two programs