Professional Training in Aural Piano Tuning and Piano Technology

The Butler School of Piano Technology

Train to become a professional piano technician through structured aural tuning and hands-on mentorship!

12 Month Course in Piano Tuning and Repair Enrollment

Tuition & Required Materials

Full Tuition: $4,990

Tools are not included and may be purchased separately from a piano supply company. Basic tools for the tuning portion of the course generally cost approximately $325. Basic tools for the technical instruction begin at approximately $550.

Grand and vertical action models, along with certain additional materials required for the technical instruction, must also be obtained separately. In many cases, a local chapter of the Piano Technicians Guild may be able to loan these models to students, or they may be purchased directly from the Guild.

Estimated tool costs are subject to change.

Instruction & Learning Support

Although this is a self-paced program, students are not left to work entirely on their own.

A central part of the learning process is what we call the Video Learning Exchange.

Students record and upload their aural tuning exercises and examinations to YouTube as unlisted videos. This allows students to create and submit their work on their own schedule while still receiving careful evaluation and individualized instruction.

The instructor then reviews the submissions independently and responds with detailed feedback in a timely manner, including guidance on listening, tuning technique, interval relationships, tonal balance, and areas requiring refinement.

This approach provides several advantages:

Students can work at the piano when it is most convenient for them
Lessons and exercises can be reviewed repeatedly
Feedback can be more thoughtful and precise
Progress can occur without the scheduling limitations of live instruction

When necessary, additional Zoom meetings may be scheduled for real-time guidance, technical discussions, progress reviews, questions, or clarification of lesson material.

Students must have a reliable high-speed internet connection capable of uploading video submissions and supporting occasional video conferencing sessions.

Program Timeline & Flexibility

This 6-month program is designed to provide flexibility while still encouraging steady progress and meaningful skill development.

Students are expected to complete the course within 12 months.

Because every student progresses at a different pace, the pace of study may vary depending on practice time, lesson repetition, personal schedule, and the development of listening and technical skills.

12 months after enrollment, individualized one-on-one feedback and evaluation will be discontinued. However, students will retain access to the written materials, instructional videos, and course resources for 12 additional months of independent study.

Terms of Enrollment

By enrolling in The Butler School of Piano Technology, you agree to abide by all current standards, policies, and procedures of the school, as well as any future revisions reasonably related to the operation, instruction, conduct, and academic standards of the school. Students will be notified of any material changes to these policies.

All written materials, course content, videos, recordings, downloads, and other educational materials provided by The Butler School of Piano Technology, including its Video Library, are the intellectual property of Richard James Butler, Jr. and/or The Butler School of Piano Technology and are provided solely for the personal educational use of the enrolled student.

You agree not to copy, reproduce, distribute, share, publish, transmit, sell, or otherwise make available any portion of these materials to any individual or entity without the prior written consent of Richard James Butler, Jr. or The Butler School of Piano Technology.

Tuition is non-refundable after enrollment in the program.

By enrolling, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these terms and policies.

Enrollment Form

Once you complete the enrollment form, you will be directed to a page to pay the tuition.

Full Tuition: $4,990.00. This self-paced program is designed for students who want the flexibility to study piano tuning and repair at their own pace while still receiving individualized instruction and feedback. A central part of the course is the Video Learning Exchange. Students record and upload their aural tuning exercises and examinations to YouTube as unlisted videos. The instructor reviews each submission independently and provides detailed feedback regarding listening, tuning technique, interval relationships, tonal balance, and areas requiring improvement. Additional Zoom meetings may be scheduled when needed for technical discussions, progress reviews, or instructional support. Students must have a reliable high-speed internet connection capable of uploading video submissions and supporting occasional video conferencing sessions. Tools are not included and may be purchased separately from a piano supply company. Grand and vertical action models, along with certain additional materials required for the technical instruction, must also be obtained separately. Estimated tool costs are subject to change. Although students are permitted up to 24 months to complete the course, the program is intended to be completed within approximately 18 months under normal circumstances. After 24 months from the date of enrollment, individualized one-on-one feedback and evaluation will be discontinued. However, students will continue to retain access to the written materials, instructional videos, and course resources for continued independent study. By enrolling in The Butler School of Piano Technology, you agree to abide by all current standards, policies, and procedures of the school, as well as any future revisions reasonably related to the operation, instruction, conduct, and academic standards of the school. Students will be notified of any material changes to these policies. All written materials, course content, videos, recordings, downloads, and other educational materials provided by The Butler School of Piano Technology, including its Video Library, are the intellectual property of Richard James Butler, Jr. andor The Butler School of Piano Technology and are provided solely for the personal educational use of the enrolled student. You agree not to copy, reproduce, distribute, share, publish, transmit, sell, or otherwise make available any portion of these materials without prior written consent from Richard James Butler, Jr. or The Butler School of Piano Technology. Tuition is non-refundable after enrollment in the program. By enrolling, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these terms and policies.* I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agree to the Terms of Enrollment, including the non-refundable tuition policy and restrictions regarding the use and distribution of course materials.

Name*

Email*

Mailing Address*

Phone Number*

Do you play the piano? Yes
No

Do you have any other musical background? If so, briefly explain.

Please tell me about the piano you will be using to practice tuning. Is it a grand or vertical piano? About how old is the piano? What condition do you think the piano is in?

Briefly tell me about your interest in the school and your goals in learning to tune and service pianos.

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