The Butler School of Piano Technology

Private Online Tutoring in Aural Piano Tuning

For piano technicians who want to move beyond mechanical accuracy and develop true musical control, aural tuning remains the defining skill. Whether your goal is to refine your ear, gain confidence in the midrange, or prepare for the Piano Technicians Guild (PTG) Tuning Exam, focused one-on-one guidance can make the difference between understanding the process and truly hearing it.

This private online tutoring program is designed for serious technicians who are committed to improving their aural tuning ability. Each session is highly individualized, addressing your specific challenges—whether that’s stabilizing temperament, organizing interval relationships, improving beat-rate recognition, or extending a clean, musical tuning across the scale.

What the Program Offers

You’ll work directly with Rick Butler in a structured yet flexible format that emphasizes listening, interpretation, and musical decision-making. Sessions are conducted live online, allowing for real-time feedback as you demonstrate your tuning and receive precise guidance on what to listen for and how to adjust.

This is not a generic course—it is targeted coaching designed to accelerate your development through:

  • Direct evaluation of your tuning approach
  • Guided listening exercises to strengthen perception
  • Strategies for organizing temperament and midrange structure
  • Practical preparation for the PTG Tuning Exam

Program Details

  • Format: Private online tutoring (live sessions)
  • Package: 10 sessions
  • Cost: $1275.00

Who This Is For

This program is intended for technicians who are serious about developing their aural skills. Many participants are preparing for the PTG Tuning Exam, while others simply want to move beyond reliance on electronic devices and gain deeper musical control of their tunings.

Requirements

  • A reliable, high-quality internet connection
  • The ability to participate in live online sessions
  • A commitment to focused practice between lessons

Application Process

Because of the individualized nature of this training, enrollment is limited. All prospective students must first request an interview with Rick Butler to determine if the program is the right fit.


If you are ready to strengthen your ear, organize your tuning more effectively, and approach the piano as a musical instrument rather than a numerical system, this program offers a clear and focused path forward. Click here to request an interview.