In this podcast episode, we are joined by the talented Kristhyan Benitez, a Venezuelan classical pianist and 2021 Latin Grammy winner for Best Classical Album. He discusses his musical journey that started at age four when he chose the piano over the guitar and fell in love with its sound.

Kristhyan has performed on prestigious stages worldwide and is recognized as a Steinway artist. His multicultural background influences his music, incorporating traditional Latin American elements into his classical repertoire.

He shares an enchanting performance of "Danza de los Ñáñigos" by Cuban composer Ernesto Lecuona, reflecting the spirt of Carnival.

An intriguing part of our conversation revolves around his piano named 'Sinatra,' a historical Stanway from 1917 with a rich legacy previously played by icons like Frank Sinatra and Leonard Bernstein. Kristhyan recounts how he unexpectedly became its owner during the pandemic after it was bequeathed to him by Victor, a generous benefactor whose posthumous will was to grant his piano to a developing artist.

Beyond performing, Kristhyan emphasizes teaching and philanthropy as integral parts of his life. He believes in nurturing future generations through education and supports musicians in Venezuela amidst national challenges. For him, impacting lives through music is more fulfilling than seeking fame.

The freelance musician lifestyle post-pandemic comes with complexities requiring adaptability and continuous practice akin to athletic training. Collaboration across genres enriches artists' experiences according to Kristhyan who also introduces Benitez—a new project blending acoustic heritage with modern sounds and transcending genre restrictions.

Our host and guest share about their mutual philosophical connections to producer Rick Rubin. Rick is a renowned producer who guides artists towards their musical essence rather than chasing popularity or trends—an approach focused on authenticity over applause that often results in lasting popularity through oblique means.

As we wrap up this insightful session that delved into personal stories, creative philosophies, charity work, industry challenges—and even touched upon celestial connections—we invite listeners to explore Kristhyan's work online under Christian Benitez on streaming platforms and @kristhyan on Instagram for updates on his artistic endeavors until we meet again for another melodious exchange.

About Kristhyan Benitez:
Kristhyan is a classical music pianist who won the Latin Grammy 2021 for "Best Classical Music" album. He focuses not only on playing the more traditional classical canon, but also the music of his home country of Venezuela, including its classical music and its rich, vast and diverse tradition of folk and popular music, as a result  of “MESTIZAJE” people (mixed race: Spanish, Indigenous and African). He has appeared at some of the world’s most prestigious stages such as Philarmonie Hall (Berlin), Davies Symphony Hall (San Francisco), and Lincoln Center (New York), with performances throughout Asia, Europe, South America and the United States.

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

Subscribe to radio hour for just $16/mo and get direct access to each weeks private zoom call, as well as all the archival recordings of hundreds of episodes in our member area. Join using by visiting https://bit.ly/joinptrh

Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:

• How to tune pianos.
• How to repair pianos.
• How to rebuild pianos.
• How to service concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Linktree - https://linktr.ee/pianotechmasterclass

Instagram - https://instagram.com/pianotechmasterclass

FB - https://www.facebook.com/pianotechmasterclass

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/piano-technicians-masterclasses/

Substack: https://pianotechniciansmasterclass.substack.com/

Twitter (X) - https://x.com/pianotechclass

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1jiIJEA9pToGft6fdfZaxu

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@pianotechmasterclass

In this podcast episode, we're introduced to Noah Frere, a unique individual who is at once a piano technician, astrophysicist and astrologer. He began his journey in piano tech at the Randy Potter School of Piano Technology in 2006 and has worked with pianos across New York before moving to Tennessee where he pursued a master's degree in physics.

We are blessed to explore some of Noah’s own astrophotography, and he explains how various software tools are used to enhance images of celestial bodies. He discusses the intricacies of capturing different types of astronomical phenomena through long exposures and image stacking techniques.

The conversation then dives into the intersection between music theory, astrology, and astronomy. Often, when juxtaposing distinct domains we can find creative inspiration. How about an innovative compositional idea where musical notes or keys correspond with cosmic entities or astrological signs?

For the true piano nerds out there we dive into a technical project of Noah’s. Noah describes refurbishing a Steinway piano and aspects of refinishing its case. He demonstrates how to concoct homemade wood filler, work with veneers, and fashion homemade tools to get the job done.

We shift between musical and astral themes fluidly, discussing why lunar eclipses give the moon its reddish coloration—the result of Earth's atmosphere bending sunlight during such events. We get mathematical and understand methods used for estimating distances in space using Noah’s astral photographs.

The narrative continues by highlighting unexpected moments captured through telescopic photography like crescent moons alongside comets or witnessing earthshine on the moon. Learn how context influences our perception of size when viewing celestial objects near the horizon.

What a wonderful journey into the depths of our universe, with resonances into the realms of music, piano technology, myth and spirituality. Thanks to Noah for captaining a harmonious space ride like no other could!

About Noah Frere:
Noah's journey into piano technology began at the Randy Potter School of Piano Technology in 2006, sparked by a transformative encounter with Kent Webb's tuning of his Winter spinet in Brooklyn, NY. Since then, Noah has navigated diverse roles, from managing pianos at New York’s Beethoven Pianos to overseeing a fleet of rental pianos at Carroll Music. Noah is currently based in Knoxville, TN, where he’s been researching the relationship between asteroids (S- and V-types) and meteorites via spectral analysis, among other things. Yes, alongside his piano endeavors, Noah has pursued his passion for astronomy, earning a Master's in Physics at the University of Tennessee. Unique among us already as a piano tuning astronomer, Noah has taken the bold leap of reconciling the sometimes oppositional fields of astronomy and astrology. 

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

Subscribe to radio hour for just $16/mo and get direct access to each weeks private zoom call, as well as all the archival recordings of hundreds of episodes in our member area. Join using by visiting https://bit.ly/joinptrh

Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:

• How to tune pianos.
• How to repair pianos.
• How to rebuild pianos.
• How to service concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Linktree - https://linktr.ee/pianotechmasterclass

Instagram - https://instagram.com/pianotechmasterclass

FB - https://www.facebook.com/pianotechmasterclass

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/piano-technicians-masterclasses/

Substack: https://pianotechniciansmasterclass.substack.com/

Twitter (X) - https://x.com/pianotechclass

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1jiIJEA9pToGft6fdfZaxu

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@pianotechmasterclass

In this episode, we have Sally Phillips and Leo Holder. Sally talks about the amount of regulation a new piano needs. All the work that needs to be done to a piano before delivery will save you money in after-market servicing and enable you to get the trust of a dealer. 

Sally walks us through her checklist of things we need to do to get the after-delivery servicing costs down. The same works for newly rebuilt pianos as well. Sally says “New pianos are kind of an enigma”, and the first thing you need to do is check if the piano has been damaged in moving, then move the action brackets and get to the regulating. Start with listening to the tuning and then level the strings and bring them up to 440. Sally talks through all the minute details that can help you take your game to the next level by giving it that extra attention to detail. 

Up next, we have Leo who used to be batchmates with Sally in North Bennet, and talks about putting on an appraiser tax as a technician, its risks, things to do, and those to avoid. Leo talks about the principles and rules of appraisals codified by the Appraisal Board. He shares a wealth of information about appraisal and its necessary prerequisites. 

Tune into this lecture to hear from Sally and Leo about the things that are less spoken about in the piano industry. 

Here’s a little bit about our guests :

Sally Phillips: Over the past 40 years, Sally Phillips has worked in virtually every aspect of the piano industry: service, retail, wholesale, and manufacturing. She has tuned and prepared pianos for recordings and concerts in such venues as Town Hall in NYC, Alice Tully Hall, the Kennedy Center, and for the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, the BBC Concert Orchestra, and the Vienna Philharmonic. She's a 1976 graduate of North Bennet Street School. She has published articles for Piano Buyer, The American Organist, and the PTG Journal. Sally lives in Columbus, GA dealing in Steinway and other fine pianos as Piano Perfect, LLC.

Leo Holder: Leo studied piano at a music conservatory in Europe. He was thoroughly trained in piano technology at Boston's North Bennett Street Industrial School under Bill Garlick and David Betts. He's been certified as an expert piano technician by the Baldwin Piano Company. He is a Resident Technician at the Third Street Music School (America's oldest) where he also taught a course in Piano Maintenance to musicians.

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Masterclass. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single livestreams, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills such as:

• How to tune pianos.
• How to repair pianos.
• How to rebuild pianos.
• How to tune concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Instagram -Piano Technicians Masterclass (@pianotechmasterclass) 

FB - Piano Technicians Masterclasses | Facebook

Spotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

In today’s session, we give you a teaser of all that has been happening with the PTM Annual Convention by showing you sections of our most interesting sessions to give you a flavor of all that has been brewing and all that is to come. 

Starting with William Manroe who showed us how to turn a 100-year-old piano into a work of art, in a step-by-step detail-oriented fashion. William starts by taking a picture for posterity and then begins his process by taking the pieces apart. Next, we have Chris Brown whose class is on Hammer Hanging. He tells us about the quandaries of replacing a hammer because of the trustworthy information embedded in them. Chris tells us all about its theory and practical application. Further, we have Randy Potter, an icon of the industry who gives a lecture on tuning techniques. 

Tune into this lecture to sample the convention and get some rich insights about a host of topics from refurbishing old pianos to dealing with hammers. 

Here’s a little bit about our guest Chris Brown:

Chris Brown is a Registered Piano Technician of Grandwork Tools. He started his career as a piano technician in 1977. He is one of the leading piano technicians who master various skills like concert tuning, rebuilding, and teaching. He is also a college technician and private customer piano-care provider along with being a designer, engineer, and manufacturer. 

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Masterclass. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single livestreams, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills such as:

• How to tune pianos.
• How to repair pianos.
• How to rebuild pianos.
• How to tune concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Instagram -Piano Technicians Masterclass (@pianotechmasterclass) 

FB - Piano Technicians Masterclasses | Facebook

Spotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

In today’s episode, Eathan talks about the PTM Convention and some of the instructors like Carl Lieberman give us a preview of their lecture at the convention. Carl’s lecture will be on cyber tuner, its AI feature, and why we should all care about it. Cybertuner also makes Pure12th tuning and Carl shares his take on it. ‘Pure’ might sometimes seem unachievable but Carl suggests that the 12th should be close to pure to preserve other intervals. 

In this episode, we also take on questions from the participants about tuning orally or with a device. Eathan says “both”, and talks about the different tuning software and the process of creating a bespoke service. He also gives tips on how to crack the tuning exam by using the cyber tuner exam mode which gives you an objective third-party reference. 

Tune into this lecture to learn about the different tips and tricks from Eathan and Carl about the cyber tuner, tuning exam, and how to train your brain and body to recognize sound change. 

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Masterclass. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single livestreams, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills such as:

• How to tune pianos.
• How to repair pianos.
• How to rebuild pianos.
• How to tune concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Instagram -Piano Technicians Masterclass (@pianotechmasterclass) 

FB - Piano Technicians Masterclasses | Facebook

Spotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

In this episode, we had the privilege of hosting a pre-recorded session featuring the remarkable Claudio Constantini, a globally renowned multi-instrumentalist celebrated for his extraordinary talents as both a pianist and a bandoneonist.

Claudio shared his fascinating journey from his upbringing in Peru, surrounded by a family deeply rooted in music, to discovering his passion for piano during his teenage years. His transition to becoming a bandoneonist, sparked by serendipity while living in Rome, added another layer to his magical musical journey. He also discussed his unexpected foray into mastering the bandoneon. He revealed insights into his mentors and learning experiences along the way.

He emphasized the importance of learning through immersion and collaboration, drawing from his experiences playing with seasoned musicians and absorbing their techniques. It’s a method he found invaluable in honing his skills on both piano and bandoneon. Providing a fascinating insight into his beloved instrument, Claudio shared about the mechanics and capabilities of the bandoneon. He demonstrated its unique sound and versatility, highlighting its ability to create expressive melodies not possible on the piano.

Claudio shared stories from his extensive touring career spanning over 30 countries. He discussed his motivations for reaching diverse audiences and shared some exciting details about his ongoing projects aimed at expanding his musical reach. With a keen eye on the future, Claudio stressed the importance of embracing technology in the ever-changing music industry. He shared his experiences leveraging social media platforms like Instagram to connect with millions of followers and engage with fans worldwide.

Offering candid advice, Claudio discussed the evolving landscape of music and the diverse paths available to aspiring musicians. He encouraged openness to new technologies and practices. At the same time, he underscored the distinction between pursuing music as a hobby and a profession.

It was an inspiring session, and his wisdom provided plenty of food for thought. Claudio's reflections on creativity, perseverance, and the pursuit of artistic excellence left a lasting impression on all of us.

Here’s a little bit about our guest Claudio Constantini:

Renowned worldwide as a Concert Pianist, Bandoneonist, and Composer, Claudio Constantini's journey through music has been nothing short of extraordinary. Having graced stages in over 30 countries, his performances have garnered him accolades aplenty, including the prestigious Global Music Award in 2021 and a Latin Grammy nomination in 2019.

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Masterclasses. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills such as:

• How to tune pianos.
• How to repair pianos.
• How to rebuild pianos.
• How to tune concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Instagram -Piano Technicians Masterclass (@pianotechmasterclass) 

FB - Piano Technicians Masterclasses | Facebook

Spotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

In today’s episode, Eathan shares his experience of attending the memorial service of the late David Anderson, who used to be a co-host on this show, an amazing musician and an even better human being. Community members join in the conversion and each share a few thoughts about David, his unmatched energy, and incredible acumen as a piano tech. We touch upon lesser-known facets of David’s rich life, exploring his legacy as a rock musician as well as a passionate writer. In addition to writing song lyrics, David penned an archive of incredible love notes and poems to his soulmate, Tanya Ragir. Carl Liberman says, “We should all be so lucky to be remembered like him,” and that captures the essence of the conversation. 

Further along in the episode, Eathan shares his insights from a previous radio hour featuring guitar maker Danny Koentopp. Danny shared three main topics relevant to all sorts of instrument builders and technicians: hand tools, health issues developed by people who work with their hands and bodies, and import-export issues. One thing that Danny stresses is the CAD software that he learned in school and he talks about the beauty in the math behind the musical instruments: the lines, forms, shapes, and resonances. 

Tune into this conversation to hear the community talk fondly about the late David Anderson and also learn about lesser-known yet fascinating things from Danny. 

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Masterclass. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single livestreams, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills such as:

• How to tune pianos.
• How to repair pianos.
• How to rebuild pianos.
• How to tune concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Instagram -Piano Technicians Masterclass (@pianotechmasterclass) 

FB - Piano Technicians Masterclasses | Facebook

Spotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

Get ready for a fun PTRH session this Saturday as we bring you an exclusive conversation with two distinguished figures in the world of pianos: Hannah Reimann from Stretto Pianos and Fanny Steingraeber from Steingraeber & Sohne, the renowned high-end piano manufacturer in Bayreuth, Germany.

This special pre-recorded session has been meticulously curated to accommodate busy international schedules, ensuring you don't miss out on this rare opportunity. Join us as Fanny Steingraeber discusses the marvelous developments and innovations that have defined Steingraeber pianos for generations.

In this session, Fanny Steingraeber will delve into the intricate craftsmanship behind Steingraeber pianos, sharing insights into their groundbreaking advancements, including their pioneering work with narrow keys and other revolutionary innovations. It's a unique chance to gain firsthand knowledge from one of the most esteemed names in piano manufacturing.

Here’s a little bit about our guests:

Hannah Reimann: A US-based concert pianist renowned for her expressive performances across various genres from classical to contemporary music. As a dedicated educator, Hannah also imparts knowledge to aspiring musicians while exploring new dimensions of sound through innovative musical instruments. Her commitment extends beyond traditional boundaries as she collaborates with meditation apps to integrate soothing piano melodies into relaxation practices.
 
Fanny Steingraeber: Hailing from Bayreuth, Germany's esteemed Steingraeber family known for their craftsmanship in piano manufacturing; Fanny represents innovation rooted in tradition. With expertise spanning technical design improvements to customer engagement strategies within the niche market of custom-made pianos, she plays a pivotal role in introducing ground-breaking concepts such as narrow keyboards tailored specifically towards individual ergonomic needs without compromising on tonal quality or performance standards.

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:

• How to tune pianos.
• How to repair pianos.
• How to rebuild pianos.
• How to tune concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Instagram -Piano Technicians Masterclass (@pianotechmasterclass) 

FB - Piano Technicians Masterclasses | Facebook

Spotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

Donna Byrd and Susan Kline, two guests with the most insider information make it to today’s episode. Donna, a North Bennet Street School student and a consistent guest on Pinao Tech Radio Hour, has some fascinating stories to share. Alongside her is Suzan, a George Brown College of Toronto graduate, and a long-term piano technician. 

Donna shares her journey to being a piano tuner, her experiences in a male-dominated profession, and some tales of her residency. Building on this conversation, Susan talks about what it means to pursue something that “feels right”,  how to balance a family while doing that, and how her path intertwined with Donna. 

Donna and Susan have been working together for a long time and they chronicle their experiences of being a dynamic duo. Donna speaks highly of Susan in her memoir and their conversation takes us back in time. 

Further in the episode, we see a series of antique and ornate piano pictures shared by Donna, and the story behind each of them is filled with insights about piano tuning that you should not miss! 

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:

• How to tune pianos.
• How to repair pianos.
• How to rebuild pianos.
• How to tune concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Instagram -Piano Technicians Masterclass (@pianotechmasterclass) 

FB - Piano Technicians Masterclasses | Facebook

Spotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

Dive into the harmonious echoes of our PTRH community in this episode, where the vibrant voices of participants weave together a tapestry of insights and shared experiences. From the lively discussions on piano tuning to navigating the unique challenges posed by the pandemic, our community came together for an enriching session that embraced the diversity of thoughts and perspectives.

What a dedicated community! In this episode, we recognize Calvin from Malaysia, a dedicated member who shares his passion for pianos with us in the stillness of the night. Join us as we uncover the stories and anecdotes that bridge geographical boundaries, highlighting the universal language of music that unites our global community.

The episode spotlights the talents and contributions of Wayne Ferguson, Susan Kline, Stephen Beuker, and Larry Lobel, whose voices add depth and richness to our conversations. Their thoughts on piano technology and various aspects of the craft illuminate the diversity within our community, making each interaction a unique and enriching experience.

Specifically, Larry Lobel's innovative ideas ignite the spark of creativity re-evoking host, Eathan's concept of a piano tech lab in a place like NYC.

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:

• How to tune pianos.
• How to repair pianos.
• How to rebuild pianos.
• How to tune concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Instagram -Piano Technicians Masterclass (@pianotechmasterclass) 

FB - Piano Technicians Masterclasses | Facebook

Spotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

This PTRH session features the remarkable Oliver Esmonde-White with guest appearances by the insightful Wayne Ferguson. They're two of Canada's finest piano pros. The episode unfolds with updates on Oliver's groundbreaking project—a revolutionary upright piano action. We learn about his versatile hammer rail/action rail development with a one-size-fits-all solution, poised to revolutionize the piano industry. It's all made possible through 3D-printed rapid prototyping.

We gain deep insights into innovation challenges as Oliver passionately emphasizes the need for collaboration and government support in research and development. Wayne Ferguson adds his reflections on the serendipitous nature of discoveries in the field, seamlessly connecting to the four stages of learning discussed in more detail in a previous session.

The episode explores the incipient resurgence of the piano, its educational value, and its role in brain development for children, advocating for its inclusion in school curriculums. Oliver's perspective expands into a profound understanding of the transformative impact of music on the brain.

We wrap up the session by highlighting the deep understanding gained from cutting-edge innovations, the serendipity of discovery, and the societal impact of music education. The episode serves as a gateway to fostering further discussion and collaboration within the piano technicians' community.

Here’s a little bit about our guest Oliver Esmonde-White:

With over five decades dedicated to perfecting the art of piano technology, Oliver stands as a true maestro in the field. As the last Canadian to study at the prestigious Baldwin factory and the first North American attendee of the Yamaha Piano Technical Academy in 1986, his journey is legendary.

Having played a pivotal role as a rebuilder and concert technician, Oliver's fingerprints can be found on thousands of recordings, audio productions, and televised performances. His tireless commitment to pushing the boundaries of excellence has earned his shop the accolade of the most modern in Canada, according to Yamaha Canada.

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:

• How to tune pianos.
• How to repair pianos.
• How to rebuild pianos.
• How to tune concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Instagram -Piano Technicians Masterclass (@pianotechmasterclass) 

FB - Piano Technicians Masterclasses | Facebook

Spotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

In today’s session, we join Carl Lieberman in person and talk about the importance of networking to thrive in the piano industry. Carl talks about how he has formed some serendipitous connections over time and where they stand now. 

Networking can seem sleazy to a lot of people because you are doing it to get something out of someone but in this episode, Carl shares stories of how he has organically built connections with people over time and how that keeps him young at heart. Through one of these opportunities, Carl has been able to build a virtual museum for Piano Technicians - by tapping into a lot of networks that he has built over time. 

Carl also captures his experience of being a piano tuner in LA and some unconventional tips to succeed on the job. He says “You do not have to do the best possible job every time you’re doing a tuning. I think of stability and piano playability over time, when the humidity changes, the pitch will change and you have to correct it all over again. Instead, fine-tune for each performance. Think about long-term stability”. Tune into this session to hear him talk about this and share many other controversial opinions.

Here’s a little bit about our guest Carl Lieberman:

Carl has been a piano technician in Los Angeles for 49 years. I have worked with CyberTuner's creator, Dean Reyburn for the last 25 years and am now CyberTuner's Imagineer. I am a field service piano technician working at a Performing Arts Center, Recording Studios and private homes.

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:

• How to tune pianos.
• How to repair pianos.
• How to rebuild pianos.
• How to tune concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Instagram -Piano Technicians Masterclass (@pianotechmasterclass) 

FB - Piano Technicians Masterclasses | Facebook

Spotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

In this podcast episode, PTRH host Eathan Janney discusses various aspects of piano evaluations and appraisals, with a focus on templates and procedures. We emphasize the importance of precision and professional training when providing formal assessments but also touch on how informal evaluations can benefit clients.

As an example we highlight the recent evaluation of an Estonia Grand Piano, detailing that process which included photographing every aspect of the instrument and rating its components like soundboard, bridges, and pin block. A thorough evaluation procedure notes the condition of important components and offers recommendations for improvement as needed or desired by the client.

It’s important to balance thoroughness with brevity in reports. It's valuable for a report to include pricing options for different service levels from basic touch-ups to full upgrades. Valuations can include assessments based on new replacement value if pristine; reconditioned value after improvements; current as-is value; minimum price points to not sell below; and maximum potential sale-by-owner prices.

We advise against making arbitrary judgments without proper expertise but instead suggest gathering opinions from experts to guide valuation decisions. We share anecdotes and examples of how to consult experts after conducting technical inspection and photography oneself.

We share a systematized evaluation form that can be used via mobile device, which helps generate detailed client-ready reports while facilitating discussions about potential enhancements for pianos post-tuning sessions.

Despite efforts at streamlining processes, sometimes  filling out forms is tedious and can be a roadblock. Our colleague in the audience, Carl Lieberman, shares  his practice of consulting trusted dealers or conducting online searches when approached by people wishing to sell pianos – often providing reality checks for owners' inflated expectations.

For appraisals related to insurance or donations, we recommend seeking professional appraisers due to legal complexities involved. We highlight customer service strategies during appointments such as offering actionable advice on instrument improvement while being transparent about repair timelines and costs.

A fully engaged audience adds to the suggestion. Garrett Labor Guide is mentioned as a helpful tool for technicians' time management during repairs. Ultimately, great evaluations will establish trust through honest recommendations. A thoughtful approach to evaluations fosters further business opportunities.

About Eathan Janey:
Eathan is the founder and creator behind Piano Technicians Masterclasses and Piano Tech Radio Hour. He’s dedicated to expanding educational opportunities throughout the piano and music industries and beyond. He’s a Registered Piano Technician, holds a PhD in Neuroscience and is an active entrepreneur having founded a portfolio of high-impact businesses in the music, media, events and emerging technology.

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

Subscribe to radio hour for just $16/mo and get direct access to each weeks private zoom call, as well as all the archival recordings of hundreds of episodes in our member area. Join using by visiting https://bit.ly/joinptrh

Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:

• How to tune pianos.
• How to repair pianos.
• How to rebuild pianos.
• How to service concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Linktree - https://linktr.ee/pianotechmasterclass

Instagram - https://instagram.com/pianotechmasterclass

FB - https://www.facebook.com/pianotechmasterclass

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/piano-technicians-masterclasses/

Substack: https://pianotechniciansmasterclass.substack.com/

Twitter (X) - https://x.com/pianotechclass

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1jiIJEA9pToGft6fdfZaxu

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@pianotechmasterclass

In this session, we bring you exclusive access to an interview with Jan D’Esopo, an artist and impresario who founded the Steinway Society of Puerto Rico which offers a forum for local musicians and funds local talents. The Society is a fascinating place that Eathan discovers in Puerto Rico and he sits down for a chat with Jan to discuss her journey as an artist and how she has built the place. 

The Steinway Society is a piano bar and so much more with six complex and interconnected buildings that Jan has collected and curated over time over 47 years. It houses 6 pianos including the Steinway D, because music is integral to a place for Jan. Since then Jan has opened the place up for pianists to learn and play. The first piano she acquired was a gift from her father, and in this interview, she walks us through the fascinating story of how she has built her collection over time. She says “Open piano leads to another and before you know it you have the most wonderful musicians come in”. 

Jan tells us how she built one of the most active Steinway societies in the world and how it developed over time. She also stresses the importance of attracting the right crowd and letting things be organically developed. Tune into this conversation for a candid and interesting account of Jan’s journey. 

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:

• How to tune pianos.
• How to repair pianos.
• How to rebuild pianos.
• How to tune concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pianotechmasterclass

FB - https://www.facebook.com/pianotechmasterclass

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1jiIJEA9pToGft6fdfZaxu

Today’s guest is a bit more unusual than what we do here at PTRH which makes it special and fun - Danny studies product design at Columbia College where he focuses on guitars. He joined the restoration team and worked on restoring museum-quality pieces from the 17th century. He has been acquainted with a lot of power tools but prefers working with his hands which is interesting for us piano makers! 

Danny says “While going to school for design work, I did learn a lot about technology and what I can do with a computer - so now I’m in the perfect world of combining the two”. He designs tools through the use of computers and in this session, he talks about his processes and techniques of going about toolmaking. 

As piano technicians, we are constantly working with our hands and shifting between tools - Danny’s approach is this: “I try to work with my hands. Each time I do it, I try to do it faster” - which is relevant to our profession of piano tuning, and we flesh out the parallels. 

The guitar has been mass-produced but now players are getting more specific about how they want their music to sound - Danny is in the business of tailoring this sound. As opposed to this,  for piano technicians, we are starting from specifics and technical details which become the basis of our practice. 

In this episode, we discuss the similarities and differences between working on the piano and the guitar. For every element of guitar restoration, Eathan provides an analog for the piano. 

If you would like to learn more about Piano Tuning from a completely refreshing lens while also getting a sense of how it contrasts with other string instruments, this is the episode for you. 

Here’s a little bit about our guest Danny Koentopp:

Danny started taking guitar lessons at age seven and from that point, the guitar became a lifelong passion. With the support of his professors and the college itself, he focused all his work on guitar. While making his seventh guitar, he met violin maker Michael Darnton and joined the restoration team Darnton & Hersh Fine Violins. He has acquired a lot of powerful tools over the years and after studying with Michael he has found it faster to work by hand. 

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:

• How to tune pianos.
• How to repair pianos.
• How to rebuild pianos.
• How to tune concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pianotechmasterclass

FB - https://www.facebook.com/pianotechmasterclass

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1jiIJEA9pToGft6fdfZaxu

In this episode, our host, Eathan Janney broadcasts live from the colorful backdrop of Puerto Rico. The episode is a freeform discussion with the community in attendance. We kicked off by highlighting an upcoming virtual piano tech symposium designed for flexible learning and networking opportunities across various industry sectors.

Community member Carl Lieberman, a seasoned piano technician, shares his experiences post-pandemic as he returns to work on cruise ships and concert halls. He talks about the challenges and joys of bringing life back to pianos that have been silent during the pandemic's pause in travel and live performances.

Dave Skolnik joins us later to discuss how traditional guilds can potentially synergize with modern communication platforms like Piano Tech Radio Hour. We explore organizational dynamics within these contexts through anecdotes and personal insights.

Our community is not shy about approaching philosophical musings; this episode is no exception. Eathan demonstrates how seemingly insurmountable paradoxes lead to innovative answers. Using the example of a common visual illusion, we learn the incredible value of embracing contradictory truths. This theme extends into discussions around precision in piano tuning—a metaphor for craftsmanship requiring foresight and careful consideration.

In closing, we remember the profound influence of our co-host David Andersen. In addition to participating in PTRH, he left behind a legacy through poetry and music, always encouraging others to appreciate every moment deeply. In closing, we celebrate artistic expression by acknowledging creators like David and his wife, Tanya Ragir while enjoying tracks from David's band, Stung by the Gods. We honor those whose art continues to inspire long after their time.

Here’s a little bit about our contributors:

Carl Lieberman:

With decades under his belt as a professional piano technician, Carl has seen it all—from majestic concert halls to intimate jazz clubs. In post-pandemic and semi-retired life he focuses work on the best of his clients, including cruise ships, recording studios, and more. He meticulously cares for instruments and clients so they can continue to produce mellifluous music.

Dave Skolnik:

He's an active member of the PTG with years of experience in both traditional practices and embracing new technologies within the world of piano technology. Dave offers unique perspectives on adapting old-world crafts into today's digital landscape.

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:

• How to tune pianos.
• How to repair pianos.
• How to rebuild pianos.
• How to tune concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Instagram -Piano Technicians Masterclass (@pianotechmasterclass) 

FB - Piano Technicians Masterclasses | Facebook

Spotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

Our special guest for today is Sally Philips of Piano Perfect LLC. She’s world-renowned and a well-kept secret of the Piano Industry. In this interactive session, Sally talks about how to navigate some of the peculiar challenges of concert work and preparation, working for professional pianists. She also gives us an update on her professional trajectory and tells us what inspired it. 

Sally tells us about the time she had tuned four pianos at the same time and tells us what challenges to expect and how to prepare for them. Her prime tip: tune in the dark. She uncovers the relationship between light and heat that affects the tuning process. She also plays the recordings for some pianos in action after tuning and the importance of tuning in practice rooms. Sally says “Stability is the pay-day of tuning if you can make it hold”. 

If you would like to learn more about tuning for professional pianists for concert work, tune into this episode and learn through anecdotes of Sally’s experiences. 

Here’s a little bit about our guest Sally Phillips:

Over the past 40 years, Sally Phillips has worked in virtually every aspect of the piano industry: service, retail, wholesale, and manufacturing. She has tuned and prepared pianos for recordings and concerts in such venues as Town Hall in NYC, Alice Tully Hall, the Kennedy Center, and for the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, the BBC Concert Orchestra, and the Vienna Philharmonic. She's a 1976 graduate of North Bennet Street School. She has published articles for Piano Buyer, The American Organist, and the PTG Journal. Sally lives in Columbus, GA dealing in Steinway and other fine pianos as Piano Perfect, LLC.

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:

• How to tune pianos.
• How to repair pianos.
• How to rebuild pianos.
• How to tune concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pianotechmasterclass

FB - https://www.facebook.com/pianotechmasterclass

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1jiIJEA9pToGft6fdfZaxu

Christopher Brown joins us today, and he has mastered various skills like concert tuning, rebuilding, and teaching. He’s an engineer, piano designer, and producer. Chris believes that all piano technicians are somewhat gifted at math, and has been able to use high school algebra and geometry to create a model for the workings of a grand action. This helps him better understand what happens when you change the leverage in any of the three levers.

In this episode, Chris simplifies the geometry of the grand action and explains how it works. He uncovers his process of calculating the ratios, taking measurements, and building models to understand the build and working of pianos. He gives us interesting tips about the inner engineering of the pianos.

If you want to learn how to use math to understand pianos intuitively, this is the lecture for you. Tune in to hear Chris talk about how to solve problems with the knowledge of the internal workings of the pianos.

Here’s a little bit about our guest Chris Brown:

Chris Brown is a Registered Piano Technician of Grandwork Tools. He started his career as a piano technician in 1977. He is one of the leading piano technicians who master various skills like concert tuning, rebuilding, and teaching. He is also a college technician and private customer piano-care provider along with being a designer, engineer, and manufacturer.

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:

• How to tune pianos.
• How to repair pianos.
• How to rebuild pianos.
• How to tune concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Instagram -Piano Technicians Masterclass (@pianotechmasterclass) 

FB - Piano Technicians Masterclasses | Facebook

Spotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

In this episode, the great piano player, Chano Dominguez - the great piano player joins us and tells us all about his upcoming shows, his experience playing on stage, and why he does not like traveling for concerts. 

Chano talks about the piano he has been playing most, the technicalities of it, and the tuning process it has undergone. As a player, he tells us about the experience of playing on different kinds of tuned pianos and what he enjoys most. 

Chano shares his knowledge about the history of music and the evolution of its different forms like Jazz. Tune into this episode for a delightful conversation with Chano to learn about the piano from the player’s perspective and to hear him perform melodiously on it. 

Here’s a little bit about our guest Chano Dominguez :

Chano has three Grammy nominations and over 40 years of stage performance experience. As a native of Spain, his works are an ingenious and unique combination of jazz and flamenco music that never ceases to leave their mark on the minds of the audience. Along with his recording and performing career, he has also shared his expertise through seminars and masterclasses and taught at Juilliard, the Taller de Música in Barcelona, and other institutions.

Early in his career, he formed a Latin rock band, CAI. They released three albums for CBS. However, the band parted ways in 1981, and Chano took on a solo career. Since then, Chano has earned several accolades for his inexplicable works. His album Flamenco Sketches was highly critically acclaimed and in this album, he reinterpreted all five songs from Miles Davis’ ‘Kind of Blue,’ and more.

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:

• How to tune pianos.
• How to repair pianos.
• How to rebuild pianos.
• How to tune concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Instagram -Piano Technicians Masterclass (@pianotechmasterclass) 

FB - Piano Technicians Masterclasses | Facebook

Spotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

In today’s episode, Steve Brady, the most highly awarded piano technician in the Pacific North West a member of the PTG Hall of Fame. He knows what it takes to make the piano sound like the instrument of dreams and he’s here today to share that secret sauce with us. 

In this episode, Steve talks us through some common tools - but, chances are that you have not used them. Do you pre-coil the wire before putting it on the tuning pin? Great, but now you need to carry a dummy tuning pin and a tuning pin crank. Instead, you can use a brass rod cut to length with rounded edges and drill a hole through it. Now you have a multi-purpose tool that replaces the pre-coiled wire and the tuning pin.  You can tune pins, level keys and 

Was that tip helpful? This is just one of the many tools that Steve talks about in this episode. Tune in to learn more about this and other such tools to improve your tuning game! 

Here’s a little bit about our guest Steve Brady:

He’s an award-winning Piano Technician and a respected PTG veteran. Along with securing a place in the PTG Hall of Fame, he was awarded the PTG’s  “Golden Hammer Award,” one of the profession’s highest honors, for his contributions to the piano industry. He is the author of Under the Lid: The Art & Craft of the Concert Piano Technician. He resides in Seattle, Washington.

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:

• How to tune pianos.
• How to repair pianos.
• How to rebuild pianos.
• How to tune concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Instagram -Piano Technicians Masterclass (@pianotechmasterclass) 

FB - Piano Technicians Masterclasses | Facebook

Spotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

In today’s episode, Del Fandrich, a consultant for various piano manufacturers across the world, uses the first principle of thinning to aid his designing process. Del talks about hybrid scales to help the short piano scales and their various applications. He delves into string lengths, tensile strength, and sounds. 

Del is also working on compiling the book “Piano Tone Rebuilding” from three generations ago and making it readable again. He has added additional chapters in the book to address some of its misinformation. This can help trace the history of the piano building and Del shares some of his insights about that and the journey of the industry at large. 

Tune into this lecture to hear about the historical and technical journey of the piano industry.

Here’s a little bit about our guest Del Fandrich:

Since 1960, Del Fandrich has evolved from a basic service technician to an independent rebuilder, manufacturer, and design consultant. He served as the Director of R&D with Baldwin and has consulted with brands like Charles Walter and Young Chang. Most recently he has been working with John Martin of Wertheim Piano to develop a totally new vertical piano. He has authored numerous papers on topics ranging from basic piano technology to advanced concepts in design and manufacturing. He continues to lecture globally as one of the most forward-thinking minds in the piano industry, maintaining several active research projects in his workshop in Olympia, WA.

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:

• How to tune pianos.
• How to repair pianos.
• How to rebuild pianos.
• How to tune concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Instagram -Piano Technicians Masterclass (@pianotechmasterclass) 

FB - Piano Technicians Masterclasses | Facebook

Spotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

In today’s episode Carl Lieberman, a tremendous business advisor, a piano technician, and a hybrid tuner joins us to share his wealth of knowledge on pianos. He’s a garden variety piano technician who shares his journey that has seen all ends of this industry. 

Carl’s mission in this session is to share his tips on how to make more money. He does this by talking about pricing. Carl says that the three most important things in tuning are “stability, stability, and stability” and the two most important words about running a business are “charge more”. 

It's most likely that you are not charging enough for your business. Carl shares the rationale behind charging more money for your services which is located in the work of the Economist Dan Airely’s book ‘Predictably Irrational’. 

If you would like to learn more about the principles and process of charging more go from a $150 piano service to a $300 piano service.

Here’s a little bit about our guest Carl Lieberman:

Carl has been a piano technician in Los Angeles for 49 years. I have worked with CyberTuner's creator, Dean Reyburn for the last 25 years and am now CyberTuner's Imagineer. I am a field service piano technician working at a Performing Arts Center, Recording Studios and private homes.

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:

• How to tune pianos.
• How to repair pianos.
• How to rebuild pianos.
• How to tune concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Instagram -Piano Technicians Masterclass (@pianotechmasterclass) 

FB - Piano Technicians Masterclasses | Facebook

Spotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

In today’s session two exceptional guests, Wayne Ferguson and Cip Mayer join us, who have each been in business for over 40 years. They share their journeys, anecdotes, and insights about restoration. 

Wayne talks about his actions to keep himself out of trouble within the restoration business. He also shares how he quality controls the action parts, and how that led him to meet our second guest of the show today - Chip Mayer. 

Chip is the son of Loyed Mayer, and they identified an industry need for quality original dimension action parts to restore grand pianos. Chip talks about his philosophy “Rather than trying to reengineer and reinvent the piano, just replace what’s there to maintain the design excellence of the piano”. 

Wayne and Chip talk about action parts, how to select the right parts, and the process of restoration such that the excellence of the piano is retained. Tune into this lecture to listen more. 

Here’s a little bit about our guests:

Wayne Ferguson:

Master piano tuner technician, Wayne H. Ferguson, has been widely considered to be among the very best in the business, Wayne has studied the art of piano technology and piano setup with passion and diligence. His former and present client list is a veritable who’s who of the music industry in Canada and beyond. Including Oscar Peterson, Keith Jarrett, Stevie Wonder, David Foster, and Diana Krall, Wayne’s list of satisfied, repeat customers is a testament to his expertise and professionalism.

Chip Mayer:

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:

• How to tune pianos.
• How to repair pianos.
• How to rebuild pianos.
• How to tune concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Instagram -Piano Technicians Masterclass (@pianotechmasterclass) 

FB - Piano Technicians Masterclasses | Facebook

Spotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

In this podcast episode, we are joined by Mark Cerisano, a seasoned piano tuner and educator who’s making significant contributions to the field of piano technology. He is known for creating the Go Ape System for accurate and efficient piano tuning and has shared his expertise globally through publications and teaching at the International Piano Technician School (IPTS).

Mark's background includes engineering, teaching music in high school, being a professional musician, authoring four books on piano tuning, online content, and live lectures.

The discussion covers Mark’s journey from studying jazz at McGill University to becoming an engineer turned musical maestro. We delve into how he combines precision with musicality, the importance of clean unisons whether tuning by ear or using devices, auditory illusions that can deceive even experienced ears, and more about his approach to shaping sound quality.

We also explore advanced concepts like ensuring all partials decay uniformly without resurgence to achieve perfect harmony. Mark shares about tools like Oceanaudio, which allow for nuanced listening and analysis of sounds.

The conversation touches upon different approaches to tuning pianos—intuitive versus electronic—and emphasizes learning through exploration before choosing one’s tools. The importance of understanding physics in achieving musical stability is highlighted alongside embracing varied perspectives.

Looking ahead at the industry's future demands higher standards of tuning precision due to musicians' discerning ears. This necessitates training technicians capable of delivering such exactitude—an endeavor that Mark aims to address through IPTS which also focuses on providing employment opportunities post-education.

For new technicians or graduates seeking guidance, Mark aims to develop elegant and objective feedback mechanisms, using tools like band pass filters, to provide evidence of technical understanding. 

Listeners interested in following Mark's work can find free resources on https://internationalpianotechniciansschool.com/ as well as interactive content on his public Facebook group and YouTube channel.

About Mark Cerisano:
Mark Cerisano has been tuning pianos since 2000 and teaching people how to tune, repair, and regulate pianos since 2005, and most recently through the International Piano Technicians School found at https://IPTS.online. He brings to the job of training technicians his experience as a mechanical engineer, a high school teacher of music, math, and other subjects, his experience as a professional musician, and his experience as a professional piano technician.

Since developing his unique tuning system which he calls the Go A.P.E. System for more Accurate, Precise, and Efficient piano tunings, he has been published multiple times in the Piano Technicians Journal, given multiple online classes in over a dozen other countries around the world, and has had four books published on piano tuning. He has been a presenter at the annual PTG convention and technical Institute in Denver Colorado in 2015 and will be presenting two classes on his unique tuning system in Reno Nevada in the summer of 2024.

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

Subscribe to radio hour for just $16/mo and get direct access to each weeks private zoom call, as well as all the archival recordings of hundreds of episodes in our member area. Join using by visiting https://bit.ly/joinptrh

Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:

• How to tune pianos.
• How to repair pianos.
• How to rebuild pianos.
• How to service concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Linktree - https://linktr.ee/pianotechmasterclass

Instagram - https://instagram.com/pianotechmasterclass

FB - https://www.facebook.com/pianotechmasterclass

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/piano-technicians-masterclasses/

Substack: https://pianotechniciansmasterclass.substack.com/

Twitter (X) - https://x.com/pianotechclass

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1jiIJEA9pToGft6fdfZaxu

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@pianotechmasterclass

The owner of A440 Pino Services, and a second-time guest at the PTRH, Bill Manore joins us today and gives us a tour of his shop and talks about his business. He is a one-man show and tells us how he manages the different tasks of the business. “Just say yes and figure it out later” has been a mantra that has worked well for him. 

He also shares his process of how to go about acquiring pianos. He says, “I do not do a lot of active looking because, over time, pianos tend to find you”. In that same vein, he shares the importance of building client relationships and how that helps you build your business. 

Most importantly, he shares the importance of saying “no” - there will be a lot of great opportunities, but Bill shares insights about how to pick the right pianos that have some sort of reasonable market value. 

Tune into this lecture to learn all these salient tips from Bill and get an exclusive view of his shop.

Here's a little bit about our guest Bill Monroe:

Bill, William, Monroe is a Registered Piano Technician and PTG member, specializing in rebuilding grand pianos. After graduating from school at Montana State University in Bozeman in wildlife ecology, his career took a detour in the year 1999 when he decided to tune pianos full-time. He is the owner of A440 Piano Services in Belleville, Wisconsin.

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:

• How to tune pianos.
• How to repair pianos.
• How to rebuild pianos.
• How to tune concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Instagram -Piano Technicians Masterclass (@pianotechmasterclass) 

FB - Piano Technicians Masterclasses | Facebook

Spotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

Ken Eschete, is a piano technician who has worked with the conservation of historic pianos and teaches an online course on replacing and building sound boards and bridge gapping. He has discovered some big things from some little tiny things and he joins us at the Radio Hour to share them. 

The first is consolidation - here Ken talks about resins and the science behind them which is used in key tops and voicing. The second component is using a reverse migration - here Ken walks us through hammers built in the 19th century and the change of their material from leather, to woolwoll and felt. There is a logic to why hammers are hard on the inside and soft on the outside. In the final component of the presentation, Ken talks about epoxy and its viscosity usage. 

Ken shares extensively about the usage of B72, epoxy technology, and the process of replacing and building soundboards. Tune into this high-value high-value lecture to learn about this and more! 

Here’s a little bit about our guest Ken Eschete:

A highly experienced piano technician/piano rebuilder with a specialization in concert tuning, structural rebuilding (new soundboards and pin-blocks), and restorative conservation of antique pianos and harpsichords.

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:

• How to tune pianos.
• How to repair pianos.
• How to rebuild pianos.
• How to tune concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Instagram -Piano Technicians Masterclass (@pianotechmasterclass) 

FB - Piano Technicians Masterclasses | Facebook

Spotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

On today’s episode, we have Alex Kostakis join us whose family has been involved in Steinway for many years, and later they started their own rebuilding practice. Alex shares his journey of working on Steinway pianos, the details of the pianos, and the relationship with customers. 

Alex details what goes into his best restored Steinways - a virgin piano that has not been tampered with by anyone, matches all the specifications when reproducing a pin block, adjusts for the wedges on the keyframe to take away from the height of the strings, and create a slope from the top of the rim to the bottom of the rim. 

Alex talks about what it means to read the piano in front of you and how to look at the minor things. All of these go miles in setting you apart and building yourself as a successful piano technician. Tune in to listen from him about all things Steinway and rebuilding. 

Here’s a little bit about our guest Alex Kostakis:

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:

• How to tune pianos.
• How to repair pianos.
• How to rebuild pianos.
• How to tune concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Instagram -Piano Technicians Masterclass (@pianotechmasterclass) 

FB - Piano Technicians Masterclasses | Facebook

Spotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

Nick Gravagne, who joined us for the PTM 2020 convention is back on Radio Hour to share some of his insights on building sound boards. Nick has made over 470 soundboards on Steinway and he shares his journey of building a pulse to tell soundboards apart. 

“The more mass there is on the soundboard, the more sound as there is more impetus,” says Nick and shares how to build a balance between the string and the soundboard. 

Nick also shares his own evolution of the understanding of this subject matter and connects it to electronic engineering. He answers questions about steam, rebound, hammer strength, and more. Tune into this session to hear from Nick who has a repository of knowledge on not just soundboard and rebuilding, but also about successfully navigating the career of being a piano technician. 

Here’s a little bit about our guest Nick Gravagne:

Nick combines a formal engineering background with over 40 years of hands-on experience in piano design, manufacturing, and rebuilding. He has authored numerous articles for the piano trade and has been a featured instructor at piano technical seminars all over the U.S. His business currently revolves around rebuilding and manufacturing custom soundboards for the piano rebuilding trade. 

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:

• How to tune pianos.
• How to repair pianos.
• How to rebuild pianos.
• How to tune concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Instagram -Piano Technicians Masterclass (@pianotechmasterclass) 

FB - Piano Technicians Masterclasses | Facebook

Spotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

In this episode, David and Eathan talk about pricing in the piano industry, especially during the pandemic and post-pandemic. Raising prices may seem counter-intuitive, but keeping up with your standard of living may be necessary. One participant adds “Now is the time to raise prices, not just to keep up, but to get ahead of the curve”. 

“Historically we do not charge enough as piano technicians, when I raise prices, I am met with more success” shares another participant. During this conversation, the participants help unpack the importance of offering a diverse set of services to your clients as there is no good piano that you cannot make better. 

The path to becoming a high-end piano technician is not just skill, but also building a relationship of trust and having references through word of mouth. In this episode, we further unpack the importance of having a trust-based relationship with your clients and reflections on the PTM 2020 convention. 

Here’s a little bit about our hosts:

David Andersen: 

David Andersen, owner of David Andersen pianos in Los Angeles has been a professional musician, recording artist, and piano technician/consultant for nearly four decades. He has overseen the restoration and maintenance of hundreds of Steinway and Mason & Hamlin pianos during that time. Beginning in 1975 he apprenticed for two and a half years under Jack Cofer in Atlanta, Georgia; during the 1980s he studied at Steinway facilities both in New York and London.

Eathan Janney:

Eathan has 20 years of experience as a piano technician. He studied with Dave Miller, the staff piano technician for the Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University, New Jersey.

Dave Carpenter, the inventor of the Verituner electronic tuning device, provided mentorship for Eathan in Chicago. Eathan also worked with Ken Eschete and Bill Schwarts, the staff piano technicians at Northwestern University in Chicago.

In 2009, he founded Floating Piano Factory of New York, a company that allows piano technicians to move from Apprentice to Craftsman level while offering value pricing to clients as technicians progress toward mastery. In 2017 he founded Piano Technicians Masterclasses, an online project designed to offer cutting-edge instruction from piano industry masters to anyone on the globe with an internet connection.

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:

• How to tune pianos.
• How to repair pianos.
• How to rebuild pianos.
• How to tune concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Instagram -Piano Technicians Masterclass (@pianotechmasterclass) 

FB - Piano Technicians Masterclasses | Facebook

Spotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

In this episode, David and Eathan unpack what it means to do things that you are afraid of within the piano business. The pair focus on conquering fear as an essential ingredient in professional development. In his typical generous fashion, David gets vulnerable with his peers in the name of inspiring us all. He shares stories of how he has encountered fear time and again during his time in the industry and why it’s made him better.

Other members of the community are inspired to share their own stories of overcoming fear within different aspects of their journey - teaching, tuning, certification, you name it! Eathan talks about how there is fear on both sides of the table–even the instructors we deeply respect have fear and trepidation sometimes. You can be great in the industry and still encounter nervousness and fear at every level. 

One participant sums it up: “We are a lot more afraid of things than we need to be.” Get ready to be inspired to strive for more! Tune in to hear from other members of the community share stories about how they go about conquering each new obstacle humbly and bravely.

Here’s a little bit about our hosts:

David Andersen: 

David Andersen, owner of David Andersen pianos in Los Angeles has been a professional musician, recording artist, and piano technician/consultant for nearly four decades. He has overseen the restoration and maintenance of hundreds of Steinway and Mason & Hamlin pianos during that time. Beginning in 1975 he apprenticed for two and a half years under Jack Cofer in Atlanta, Georgia; during the 1980s he studied at Steinway facilities both in New York and London.

Eathan Janney:

Eathan has 20 years of experience as a piano technician. He studied with Dave Miller, the staff piano technician for the Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University, New Jersey.

Dave Carpenter, the inventor of the Verituner electronic tuning device, provided mentorship for Eathan in Chicago. Eathan also worked with Ken Eschete and Bill Schwarts, the staff piano technicians at Northwestern University in Chicago.

In 2009, he founded Floating Piano Factory of New York, a company that allows piano technicians to move from Apprentice to Craftsman level while offering value pricing to clients as technicians progress toward mastery. In 2017 he founded Piano Technicians Masterclasses, an online project designed to offer cutting-edge instruction from piano industry masters to anyone on the globe with an internet connection.

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:

• How to tune pianos.
• How to repair pianos.
• How to rebuild pianos.
• How to tune concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Instagram -Piano Technicians Masterclass (@pianotechmasterclass) 

FB - Piano Technicians Masterclasses | Facebook

Spotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

Bernard has been in the piano business for over four decades and runs a classic, timeless piano artisan’s workshop. Piano rebuilding is his forte, and he has a wealth of knowledge to share about it. 

Bernard began his fascinating foray into the piano world as the son of a NASA rocket scientist. He shares about the partnerships he made and how he created a thriving business in the piano industry. He also shares the importance of word-of-mouth in this field. 

Bernard takes us through some exquisite pictures of his rebuilding archive and shares his process. He answers questions about how he divides operations in his shop, apportioning some work to part-time employees and contractors. Bernardo talks about how the piano rebuilding process is a team job and what it means to take a leadership role in this intricate process. Intrigued? Enjoy a glimpse of how a seasoned veteran approaches the art of restoring fine instruments. 

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:

• How to tune pianos.
• How to repair pianos.
• How to rebuild pianos.
• How to tune concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Instagram -Piano Technicians Masterclass (@pianotechmasterclass) 

FB - Piano Technicians Masterclasses | Facebook

Spotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

Ricki Kloss is a certified tuning examiner and has been in the piano business since 1995. She shares her story of accidentally wandering onto her career path, encountering one opportunity after another, and eventually opening her own business in 1995. 

Ever feel like you know only a tiny bit about what it means to be a piano technician? Ricki shares her thoughts on what it means to be a lifelong apprentice in this field and explains what it is to “fail upwards”. 

Since Ricki is a certified tuning examiner, she shares how to go about the exam, who to contact and what resources you need. Ricki says “A lot of the challenge in the exam is timing. People need to work on the timing of each skill in the exam.” If you want more great tips and insights into the exam, jump right into this episode and take notes. 

Here’s a little bit about our guest Ricki Kloss:

Ricki Kloss, was a perfect example of someone doing what it takes to make things happen. She has been in full-time business since 1995 when she also joined the PTG. Since then she’s stepped in to help wherever she sees a gap. She’s volunteered with the PTG to become a leader among female techs, a convention organizer, and a strong advocate for educational opportunities.

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:

• How to tune pianos.
• How to repair pianos.
• How to rebuild pianos.
• How to tune concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Instagram -Piano Technicians Masterclass (@pianotechmasterclass) 

FB - Piano Technicians Masterclasses | Facebook

Spotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

Thomas Strange–a fascinating, multi-talented individual and the owner of the musical instrument museum–makes an appearance on this program. In 2008, Thomas was asked to build a Museum to preserve his collection of keyboards. In a decade his vision materialized and gained significant community support. A private collection to a world-class collection of musical instruments, Thomas tells the story of how he was able to set up the ‘Sigal Music Museum.’ If you are ever curious to dive deeper into the historical roots of keyboard instruments, this is a key place to check out.

With a collection of instruments all the way from the 14th century, Thomas tells the story of these keyboards, their sounds, and their relevance. 

Have you ever wondered how to take period pianos to the next level? Thomas, gives us his expert take. Explore the nuances of conservation and other alternatives to showcasing antique instruments in this deeply fascinating session.

Here’s a little bit about our guest Thomas Strange:

Thomas Strange has presented numerous lectures/concerts on early piano development and is a builder and restorer of early keyboard instruments. An article on the life of early square pianoforte builder John Geib was published in Eighteenth-Century Music, in March 2010.

In addition, Strange has an extensive background in materials science, and is the author of forty-three patents and numerous papers over the last two decades, covering all aspects of capacitor development, with an emphasis on foil development for aluminum electrolytics.

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:

• How to tune pianos.
• How to repair pianos.
• How to rebuild pianos.
• How to tune concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Instagram -Piano Technicians Masterclass (@pianotechmasterclass) 

FB - Piano Technicians Masterclasses | Facebook

Spotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

Join us in this episode as we sit down with Rick, the esteemed president and founder of Baldassin Pianos. Rick's remarkable journey includes recognition as a PTG member of note and receiving the prestigious 2014 Golden Hammer award, along with his induction into the exclusive PTG Hall of Fame.

Moreover, Rick's influence extends to the realm of literature, with his authorship of pivotal books on piano tuning that stand as definitive references in the field. In this conversation, we explore the trajectory of his illustrious career.

Rick's unique path began unexpectedly, leading him to a program that lacked certification but proved pivotal in leading to the launch of his transformative 'On Pitch' series. An impressive hallmark of his work lies in his comprehensive exploration of expanded octaves, a groundbreaking endeavor that earned him distinction as the first to dive so deeply and meticulously into this topic. Central to his breakthrough was the harmonious integration of his music theory degree with his pursuits in piano tuning.

The evolution of Rick's seminal work, the 'On Pitch' book, is underscored by its recurrent revision and refinement. Within this episode, he generously imparts a wealth of insights pertaining to the art of tuning and the intricacies of octaves. Enrich your understanding by tuning in to this enlightening discourse, where Rick's depth of knowledge shines through.

Here’s a little bit about our guest Rick Baldassin:

Rick Baldassin is the President and Founder of Baldassin Pianos in Salt Lake City, Utah. Rick is a Registered Piano Technician, was awarded the Member of Note, and has been inducted into the Piano Technicians Guild Hall of Fame. He is an international consultant for several major piano manufacturers. As a piano technician, Rick has been an active and passionate member of the Piano Technicians Guild (PTG) both serving with his local chapter as well as on the board of the guild. 

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:

• How to tune pianos.
• How to repair pianos.
• How to rebuild pianos.
• How to tune concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Instagram -Piano Technicians Masterclass (@pianotechmasterclass) 

FB - Piano Technicians Masterclasses | Facebook

Spotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

In this podcast episode, we explore the captivating world of piano restoration with a focus on Chris Brown’s recent project involving an 1889 Steinway D. This historic piano underwent significant transformations including new soundboards and modernized parts while retaining its legacy.

Chris delves into the technical aspects of regulation, discussing the challenges of integrating contemporary components with historical dimensions. He emphasizes the importance of meticulous measurements and adjustments to accommodate changes in height for optimal playability.

The conversation also touches upon balancing a customer’s available investment against preserving original aspects of the instrument. Chris shares how even a prestigious brand like Steinway has evolved over time to meet public and artist demands. Chris shares his preference for using copper weights instead of traditional lead for key weighting. Health effects of handling lead can be significant and irreversible, so copper offers a blend of modern sensibilities with classic care.

Furthermore, Chris recounts his experiences as a university technician dealing with neglected pianos and highlights the necessity for technicians to be versatile within budget constraints. He stresses understanding the complexities of a hammer’s behavior as it arcs toward the string and changes throughout a hammer’s usable life.

If you enjoy this session, make sure to check out the Chris Brown RPT YouTube channel and Grand Work Tools blog series to dive deeper.

About Chris Brown:
Chris Brown RPT started work as a piano technician in 1977. A graduate of North Bennet Street School, he has worn many hats in his career: college technician, concert tuner, rebuilder, private customer piano-care provider, teacher. And now, designer, engineer, and manufacturer.

In 2005, Chris officially specialized in grand regulation and rebuilding and started work on the tools and protocols that have become the Grandwork System.

Good regulations benefit customer, technician, dealer, and manufacturer. With the Grandwork System, Chris has reduced the experience needed to successfully regulate grand pianos. His goals are to help those entering the trade and those hiring them, enhancing work for both beginners and experienced technicians.

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

Subscribe to radio hour for just $16/mo and get direct access to each weeks private zoom call, as well as all the archival recordings of hundreds of episodes in our member area. Join using by visiting https://bit.ly/joinptrh

Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:

• How to tune pianos.
• How to repair pianos.
• How to rebuild pianos.
• How to service concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Linktree - https://linktr.ee/pianotechmasterclass

Instagram - https://instagram.com/pianotechmasterclass

FB - https://www.facebook.com/pianotechmasterclass

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/piano-technicians-masterclasses/

Substack: https://pianotechniciansmasterclass.substack.com/

Twitter (X) - https://x.com/pianotechclass

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1jiIJEA9pToGft6fdfZaxu

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@pianotechmasterclass

In this podcast episode, the hosts delve into the pandemic's impact on the piano tuning industry and explore the concept of a "master piano technician." Eathan and David share their perspectives.

Eathan, the founder of the Floating Piano Factory, recounts how his business adapted during the pandemic. Initially suspending operations for safety, they later resumed tuning despite reduced demand. David discusses the gradual recovery of the restoration business.

The conversation delves into the idea of a "master piano technician." Eathan highlights the Clavier Baumeister recognition from German training as significant. Peer endorsements are emphasized as vital for establishing mastery. David notes that mastery comes from a dedicated focus on a specific area, blending meticulous attention and passion for expert performance.

Listeners are invited to gain insights into achieving mastery in their craft through this engaging conversation.

Here’s a little bit about our hosts:

David Andersen: 

David Andersen, owner of David Andersen pianos in Los Angeles has been a professional musician, recording artist, and piano technician/consultant for nearly four decades. He has overseen the restoration and maintenance of hundreds of Steinway and Mason & Hamlin pianos during that time. Beginning in 1975 he apprenticed for two and a half years under Jack Cofer in Atlanta, Georgia; during the 1980s he studied at Steinway facilities both in New York and London.

Eathan Janney:

Eathan has 20 years of experience as a piano technician. He studied with Dave Miller, the staff piano technician for the Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University, New Jersey.

Dave Carpenter, the inventor of the Verituner electronic tuning device, provided mentorship for Eathan in Chicago. Eathan also worked with Ken Eschete and Bill Schwarts, the staff piano technicians at Northwestern University in Chicago.

In 2009, he founded Floating Piano Factory of New York, a company that allows piano technicians to move from Apprentice to Craftsman level while offering value pricing to clients as technicians progress toward mastery. In 2017 he founded Piano Technicians Masterclasses, an online project designed to offer cutting-edge instruction from piano industry masters to anyone on the globe with an internet connection.

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:

• How to tune pianos.
• How to repair pianos.
• How to rebuild pianos.
• How to tune concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Instagram -Piano Technicians Masterclass (@pianotechmasterclass) 

FB - Piano Technicians Masterclasses | Facebook

Spotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

Discover the captivating world of Klavins Pianos in this episode as we delve into the history and innovative vision of piano designer and builder, David Klavins.

Originally specializing in restoring vintage pianos, David Klavins embarked on a profound exploration of the intricate acoustic principles that shape piano tonality. This pursuit led him to create his own avant-garde grand pianos, each bearing a distinct Klavins signature. Join us as David shares the intriguing story behind Klavins Pianos, offering insights into their evolution and significance.

Unlike traditional pianos, Klavins instruments boast a remarkable distinction – towering structures that beckon players to ascend staircases before unveiling their unique melodies. David Klavins stands at the intersection of extremes within the piano world, from crafting the delicate whispers of the smallest and softest pianos to harnessing the thunderous might of those with unparalleled sound projection.

In this episode, David articulates his vision for crafting these extraordinary pianos: "I believe that a piano's voice should project directly to the audience, rather than being absorbed by the floor and lid.” His ingenious concept involves expanding the soundboard, employing longer and finer strings to produce a crystalline bass resonance. By orienting his pianos vertically, rather than horizontally, David elevates the instrument's dynamic range to astonishing heights.

Delve into the fascinating narrative of Klavins Pianos as David elaborates on the rationale behind the exposed string design, the art of determining key lengths, and the meticulous craftsmanship integral to his pianos' construction. Whether you're a seasoned pianist, an avid music enthusiast, or a curious mind, this episode promises novel insights into the realm of innovative piano design.

Tune in to this captivating session and embark on a sonic journey with David Klavins as he unveils the secrets and stories behind his revolutionary Klavins Pianos.

Here’s a little bit about our guest David Klavins:

David Klavins accomplished his degree as a master piano builder in January 1980, in Stuttgart, Germany, after having founded his first piano company in 1976 in Bonn, Germany. While initially specializing in the rebuilding of old pianos, in the course of his work he was studying the factors that mainly determine the acoustic characteristics of a piano. 

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:

• How to tune pianos.
• How to repair pianos.
• How to rebuild pianos.
• How to tune concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Instagram -Piano Technicians Masterclass (@pianotechmasterclass) 

FB - Piano Technicians Masterclasses | Facebook

Spotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

Paul McNulty, a North Bennet Street School graduate, is an iconoclast in the industry. He was the first in modern times to build an 1830 model Playel, an 1846 Boisselot op. 2800, and an 1868 Streicher. His current efforts are restoring vintage French pianos. 

The "period pianos" domain can be tricky, and not everyone likes the sound of these unique instruments. But the pianos Paul restores are loved by many. He is at the top of his craft! In this session, he shares his journey and some tips and tricks of the trade that only a period piano builder would know about. 

Paul started with no skill. But he quickly progressed in his understanding and abilities. Soon after beginning his period of piano studies, he could successfully reassemble anything he had deconstructed. By the age of 32, he had built a pianoforte from scratch. Paul has taken a path less traveled, and for your benefit, he shares what he has learned along the way. He shares insider secrets that could save you significant pain when encountering vintage instruments. Would you like to know how to remove tricky vintage keyboards without breaking hammers? Want some precautionary measures to avoid other damage? Want to know which modern tools can be used to improvise solutions? You gotta catch this episode!

Get insider insights from across centuries and understand the piano industry more deeply. Spend some time with Paul today and listen back again whenever you like!

Here’s a little bit about our guest Paul McNulty: 

Paul McNulty is a maker of world-famous fortepianos known for their superior performance quality, used for concerts and recordings in the most prestigious concert halls, opera houses and owned by prominent fortepiano players and leading music institutions, such as Harvard University, Cornell University, Royal Academy of Music and many more. 

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:

• How to tune pianos.
• How to repair pianos.
• How to rebuild pianos.
• How to tune concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Instagram -Piano Technicians Masterclass (@pianotechmasterclass) 

FB - Piano Technicians Masterclasses | Facebook

Spotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

Nick is a piano engineer with over 40 years of experience in the field. He has made significant contributions to the piano trade through his technical seminars across America and numerous articles he has authored.

During our session, Nick shared his unique approach to understanding pianos. According to him, there are three primary elements of a piano that demand attention: its body or 'box', its action (playability), and sound.

Nick offered clever and crucial insights like identifying issues related to tone quality by plucking strings and listening for their decay rate - a technique revealing each string's efficiency level. Simple but effective techniques like this help both in educating customers about their instrument’s optimal sound quality as well as guiding our own work process during tuning jobs.

Another technique involves a clever way of estimating where a piano's hammer strikes a string. Imagine the hammer striking a string at a certain distance from the capo bar or agraffe. The key is to replicate this distance near the bridge, at the back of the string. Picture it as if you're placing the ideal strike point between the bridge pins and the piano's front.

Then comes the fascinating part: using a specialized wedge, somewhat resembling a guitar pick, the technician gently plucks the string at this designated point. If you hear the vibrant high notes you expect, it's a signal that untapped potential can be unlocked through voicing or hammer work.

Nick also highlighted how altering a piano's tone can be subjective and tricky given individual preferences and performance situations—making voicing pianos complex yet fascinating!

Tune in to learn more clever techniques to diagnose pianos, treat them, and communicate flawlessly with the client about their piano’s care.

Here’s a little bit about our guest Nick Gravagne:

Nick combines a formal engineering background with over 40 years of hands-on experience in piano design, manufacturing, and rebuilding. He has authored numerous articles for the piano trade and has been a featured instructor at piano technical seminars all over the U.S. His business currently revolves around rebuilding and manufacturing custom soundboards for the piano rebuilding trade. 

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:

• How to tune pianos.
• How to repair pianos.
• How to rebuild pianos.
• How to tune concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Instagram -Piano Technicians Masterclass (@pianotechmasterclass) 

FB - Piano Technicians Masterclasses | Facebook

Spotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

Meet Fred Sturm. He's renowned and world-class as both a pianist and a piano tech. In this session, he discusses the connections between his two careers. We learn about his journey down these two intersecting paths, and Fred shows us how one informs the other. 

Pianists depend on piano technicians. As Fred says, "If we do not give the pianists what they need, they are going to be handicapped." Through personal anecdotes and explanations, Fred demonstrates how to anticipate a pianist's needs. 

Stay tuned to hear what Fred sees as the most critical factor in piano tuning. The soundboard, the hammers, and the staging are all important. However, adding care and attention to detail in preparing these aspects distinguishes excellent piano work from good. The detailed work that goes into every single instrument is what matters. Any goal less than a singing and blooming sound is only adequate.

Fred shares many more personal experiences from his unique vantage point as a pianist and a piano technician. This is a splendid opportunity to learn concepts and ideas to which you may not otherwise get exposure. Piano nerds, this is one you have to check out! 

Here’s a little bit about our guest Fred Sturm: 

Fred performs regularly and has recorded and released five CDs, with another in process. As a piano technician, he has worked since 1986 for the University of New Mexico on a part-time basis, with a private clientele as well. Sturm's training has included the full four weeks of the CF Theodor Steinway Academy, one week of training with Shigeru Kawai, two weeks at the Sauter factory in Spaichingen, Germany, ten or more national PTG conventions, and various other opportunities. 

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:

• How to tune pianos.
• How to repair pianos.
• How to rebuild pianos.
• How to tune concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Instagram -Piano Technicians Masterclass (@pianotechmasterclass) 

FB - Piano Technicians Masterclasses | Facebook

Spotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

Sometimes a problem is just a path to unique new creations.

We all have problems. We all have some that even make us want to give up and crawl into a fetal position.

For Mark Purney, string repairs are a dreaded necessity that he wishes didn't exist.

As he put it, "I hate doing string repairs. I always have. I probably always will."

The most frustrating part for him was storing all the potential gauges of wire he might need. For years he found it hard to store the wires properly. Finally, though, it was his moments of frustration with the piano wire that inspired him to create Piano Wire Tires. It was his first big product as a piano industry entrepreneur, allowing his company, Supply 88, to come into being.

Catch this fun and fascinating Piano Tech Radio Hour episode with Mark Purney, RPT, Owner of Supply 88. Learn some inside tips for finding great tools from a master tool creator and supplier himself.

Here's a little bit about our Guest Mark Purney: 

Prior to becoming an RPT in 2007, Mark earned a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering from Cleveland State University and spent 20 years designing electronics and software. Mark studied classical piano at the Cleveland Institute of Music as a youth, played keyboard and guitar in multiple bands, and still plays with his church's worship band.

Mark is an avid inventor, having designed numerous specialty tools many piano technicians use worldwide. This led to Mark and his partner Dawn launching Supply88 in 2015. Mark's designs include the Kestrel, the world's lightest carbon fibre piano tuning lever, and Piano Wire Tires, an easier way to store and transport piano wire for field repairs.

Mark has also been an active volunteer in the Piano Technicians Guild, serving four years on the Board of Directors (2015-2019 Western Regional VP), four years on the Institute (2014 Director), and chairing multiple committees. Having attended many conventions, seminars, and factory training programs, he's a veteran participant in and contributor to continued education, promoting excellence in the field of piano technology.

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:

• How to tune pianos.
• How to repair pianos.
• How to rebuild pianos.
• How to tune concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Instagram -Piano Technicians Masterclass (@pianotechmasterclass) 

FB - Piano Technicians Masterclasses | Facebook

Spotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

In this session we have with us Dan Levitan, the piano technician turned author who has a lot to offer all the way from taunting lever and tuning theory to the piano tuner’s hand and ear. He talks about his most significant contribution to the field, harmonicity, and the physics of turning tuning pins with a hammer. 

Dan talks about what it means to be a born craftsman. “Everybody cares about something but you cannot teach someone what to care about”. He talks about the element of intuitive care that goes into excelling in the field - and in his case, it is that of creating harmonicity. What can I do to make this piano the best that it can be? That is the question that keeps driving Dan. 

If you would like to learn more about the different ways in which your element of care toward piano tuning can make you excel, this class is for you. 

Here’s a little bit about our guest Dan Levitan: 

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:

• How to tune pianos.
• How to repair pianos.
• How to rebuild pianos.
• How to tune concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Instagram -Piano Technicians Masterclass (@pianotechmasterclass) 

FB - Piano Technicians Masterclasses | Facebook

Spotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

In this session, we meet with Wayne Ferguson, a piano tech who has worked around the globe and visited all the major factories in Europe. He talks about how he makes the key travel in the aftertouch on a piano that is going to be played on short notice. Sometimes the hammer is too far right and sometimes it's too close 

Wayne follows a structured process where he makes the hammer blow a little further away, does a couple of samples, looks at lead off  and drop, checks the key bed and follows some other steps. He also explains what he does in cases where there is little aftertouch and in what situation he makes the lead-off wider. 

If you would like to learn more about how to do a quick analysis and make the aftertouch right, this session is for you. 

Here’s a little bit about our guest Wayne Ferguson: 

Master piano tuner technician, Wayne H. Ferguson, has been widely considered to be among the very best in the business, Wayne has studied the art of piano technology and piano set up with passion and diligence. His former and present client list is a veritable who’s who of the music industry in Canada and beyond. Including Oscar Peterson, Keith Jarrett, Stevie Wonder, David Foster, Diana Krall, Wayne’s list of satisfied, repeat customers is testament to his expertise and professionalism.

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:

• How to tune pianos.
• How to repair pianos.
• How to rebuild pianos.
• How to tune concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Instagram -Piano Technicians Masterclass (@pianotechmasterclass) 

FB - Piano Technicians Masterclasses | Facebook

Spotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

In this session, David, our resident expert talks about the power of presence and gratitude. These can drastically change your life and have an impact on your profession as a piano technician. 

David also calls on Wayne Ferguson to come on and share his experiences with the piano industry and larger lessons from life. Wayne alk about starting young and figuring it out with finances at the forefront. He also gives us a live tour of his workspace and shares some practices that have worked well for him to establish himself in the industry successfully. 

Here’s a little bit about our hosts David Andersen: 

David Andersen, owner of David Andersen pianos in Los Angeles has been a professional musician, recording artist, and piano technician/consultant for nearly four decades. He has overseen the restoration and maintenance of hundreds of Steinway and Mason & Hamlin pianos during that time. Beginning in 1975 he apprenticed for two and a half years under Jack Cofer in Atlanta, Georgia; during the 1980s he studied at Steinway facilities both in New York and London.

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:

• How to tune pianos.
• How to repair pianos.
• How to rebuild pianos.
• How to tune concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Instagram -Piano Technicians Masterclass (@pianotechmasterclass) 

FB - Piano Technicians Masterclasses | Facebook

Spotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

In this session, our hosts David and Eathan review the 1st PTM global convention's content, identify the highlights and share some of their key takeaways. 

Eathan tells us about how the fascination of some piano makers with the kind of wool that goes into making felt. Did you know that Steingraber demands the use of wool exclusively from an Australian sheep? They do this because this is the longest fibre they could find which sounds best. 

They also discuss the importance of range for a pianist and why maximizing it is of utmost importance to a pianist so that they can play each note softly but impactfully. 

Frederick Chiu, a leading piano technician and industry expert, is also a part of the convention and he talks about the importance of grooves as they give the pianos a little bit more range. 

Tune into this episode if you want to get a quick recap of all that was discussed during the convention so that you do not miss out on any of the best practices shared by the leading names in the industry. 

Here’s a little bit about our hosts:

David Andersen: 

David Andersen, owner of David Andersen pianos in Los Angeles has been a professional musician, recording artist, and piano technician/consultant for nearly four decades. He has overseen the restoration and maintenance of hundreds of Steinway and Mason & Hamlin pianos during that time. Beginning in 1975 he apprenticed for two and a half years under Jack Cofer in Atlanta, Georgia; during the 1980s he studied at Steinway facilities both in New York and London.

Eathan Janney:

Eathan has 20 years of experience as a piano technician. He studied with Dave Miller, the staff piano technician for the Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University, New Jersey.

Dave Carpenter, the inventor of the Verituner electronic tuning device, provided mentorship for Eathan in Chicago. Eathan also worked with Ken Eschete and Bill Schwarts, the staff piano technicians at Northwestern University in Chicago.

In 2009, he founded Floating Piano Factory of New York, a company that allows piano technicians to move from Apprentice to Craftsman level while offering value pricing to clients as technicians progress toward mastery. In 2017 he founded Piano Technicians Masterclasses, an online project designed to offer cutting-edge instruction from piano industry masters to anyone on the globe with an internet connection.

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:

• How to tune pianos.
• How to repair pianos.
• How to rebuild pianos.
• How to tune concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Instagram -Piano Technicians Masterclass (@pianotechmasterclass) 

FB - Piano Technicians Masterclasses | Facebook

Spotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

Gain insights into Jim's experiences with music icons and the lessons he's learned along the way. Beyond rubbing shoulders with legends, he learned valuable lessons from them about music and life.

Explore how musical trends and tech advancements shape piano performance and recording. Jim was at the forefront of groundbreaking midi technology. Understand the importance of nurturing young talent and how it influenced Jim's journey. You won’t believe how far music can take you.

Discover the fascinating connection between piano technology and creative expression. Jim shares captivating encounters with music legends. From singing with Paul McCartney to adventures with Dan Fogelberg, Jim's journey is astounding to tune in to.

Here’s a little bit about our guest Jim Wilson:

Jim Wilson's career is nothing short of legendary. From humble beginnings as a piano tech, he went on to serve and collaborate with some of the most iconic names in the music industry. From behind-the-scenes anecdotes to groundbreaking insights, Jim's experiences are as enlightening as they are entertaining.

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:

• How to tune pianos.
• How to repair pianos.
• How to rebuild pianos.
• How to tune concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Instagram -Piano Technicians Masterclass (@pianotechmasterclass) 

FB - Piano Technicians Masterclasses | Facebook

Spotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

Tune in to this session and get some great insights from our wise and charming co-host, David Andersen. He’s a highly respected and experienced piano technician in LA, who has built a stellar atelier for rebuilding fine pianos, attracting high-end clientele and producing excellent work. During the conversation, David shares his valuable knowledge, experiences, techniques, ideas, and life lessons with the audience.

One of the most intriguing aspects David discusses is the importance of teamwork in his restoration and rebuilding process. He shares how he’s had to involve other people due to physical challenges, and as a result, he has developed a team of people he trusts and has affection for. These individuals are top-notch in terms of their craftsmanship. David acts as the initiator, the bringer of the client, and the first diagnostician. He assembles a team of experts to do the majority of the work. Then, together with Nick Morello, David performs the final 20 percent of creating that sublime piano sound he’s known for.

David's emphasis on teamwork highlights how valuable it is to work collaboratively to produce the best possible results. By building trust, fostering relationships, and recognizing the unique strengths each team member brings, one can achieve exceptional outcomes. David's approach to teamwork is an important reminder that "teamwork makes the dream work."

Here’s a little bit about our hosts David Andersen: 

David Andersen, owner of David Andersen pianos in Los Angeles has been a professional musician, recording artist, and piano technician/consultant for nearly four decades. He has overseen the restoration and maintenance of hundreds of Steinway and Mason & Hamlin pianos during that time. Beginning in 1975 he apprenticed for two and a half years under Jack Cofer in Atlanta, Georgia; during the 1980s he studied at Steinway facilities both in New York and London.

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:

• How to tune pianos.
• How to repair pianos.
• How to rebuild pianos.
• How to tune concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Instagram -Piano Technicians Masterclass (@pianotechmasterclass) 

FB - Piano Technicians Masterclasses | Facebook

Spotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

In this following episode, you’ll meet our guest, Issac Sadigursky, the prototypical piano tech. He has been a piano technician for the past 30 years and is a cornerstone veteran of the Piano Technicians Guild (PTG). He has everything from restorations to repairs, from troubleshooting to tuning. In this episode of the PTRH, Issac shares some of his experiences as a piano technician, clever ways of using tools, and much more.

Stay tuned for Isaac’s thoughts on the importance of having the right tools for the job. He believes that having a good set of tools is essential for any technician, as it allows them to be prepared for any kind of repair. He goes on to discuss the importance of staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and approaches to piano technology. Finally, he stresses the importance of building good relationships with piano movers, as they can be a great source of referrals.

Over the years, Isaac has established his business by serving both large accounts and individual customers. His clients include Las Virgenes, Beverly Hills, and Burbank School Districts, Occidental College, Mt. St. Mary's College, and The Jonathan Club. Isaac has also tuned pianos belonging to countless churches, synagogues, hotels, professional musicians, piano teachers, recording studios, concert venues, and private homes. He is also known throughout the piano community for his musical ear resulting from his years of conservatory training as a classical musician. 

Here’s a little bit about our guest Isaac Sadigursky: 

Over the years, Isaac has established his business by serving both large accounts and individual customers. His clients include Las Virgenes, Beverly Hills, and Burbank School Districts, Occidental College, Mt. St. Mary's College, and The Jonathan Club. Isaac has also tuned pianos belonging to countless churches, synagogues, hotels, professional musicians, piano teachers, recording studios, concert venues, and private homes. He is also known throughout the piano community for his musical ear resulting from his years of classical conservatory training as a musician.

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:

• How to tune pianos.
• How to repair pianos.
• How to rebuild pianos.
• How to tune concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Instagram -Piano Technicians Masterclass (@pianotechmasterclass) 

FB - Piano Technicians Masterclasses | Facebook

Spotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

In this session, our host turned speaker, David Anderson, does a deep dive into the topic of voicing. When you’re voicing a hammer, you’re making it sound deeper, fatter and clearer - which is a product of hearing lower partials clearer. He explains all this in the context of partial undertones. 

David lets us in on the intricacies of strike point voicing techniques which he has personally used for over 15 years to give a piano what he calls the “golden tone”. He achieves this through attention and feel based voicing - and walks us through the entire process. 

So if you are wondering how to get a tone that is sweet and amber, warm and liquid at low volume - this class is for you. Tune in to hear from a deep expert in the field of voicing. 

Here’s a little bit about our David Andersen: 

David Andersen, owner of David Andersen pianos in Los Angeles has been a professional musician, recording artist, and piano technician/consultant for nearly four decades. He has overseen the restoration and maintenance of hundreds of Steinway and Mason & Hamlin pianos during that time. Beginning in 1975 he apprenticed for two and a half years under Jack Cofer in Atlanta, Georgia; during the 1980s he studied at Steinway facilities both in New York and London.

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:

• How to tune pianos.
• How to repair pianos.
• How to rebuild pianos.
• How to tune concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Instagram -Piano Technicians Masterclass (@pianotechmasterclass) 

FB - Piano Technicians Masterclasses | Facebook

Spotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

Today, we are joined by Melanie Brooks who has been in the piano business for over 30 years and has wonderful insights about how to sustain a piano industry career over the decades. She shares her personal tips on how to continuously tweak your business, and even how to bounce back after any recession. 

Ever wondered what the living beating heart of the piano community will look like a few decades into the future? Melanie shares her thoughts on this and the sustainability of the piano industry. She also talks about how technicians themselves have evolved over the years and how the best practices have changed. 

Melanie’s business was started by her father decades ago out of a need for a source of better piano parts. Now she spearheads the entire operation. She talks about this journey and the transformations within the industry over the years. Tune in to her about all this and more. 

Here’s a little bit about our guest Melanie Brooks:

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:

• How to tune pianos.
• How to repair pianos.
• How to rebuild pianos.
• How to tune concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Instagram -Piano Technicians Masterclass (@pianotechmasterclass) 

FB - Piano Technicians Masterclasses | Facebook

Spotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify