The Piano Technicians Guild, Inc. is the largest non-profit
organization serving piano tuners, technicians, and craftsmen
throughout the world.  Formed in 1957 by the merger of the American
Society of Piano Technicians and the National Association of  Piano
Tuners, the Guild was organized to promote the highest possible
service and technical standards among piano tuners and technicians.
The Washington DC Chapter was the first chapter in the Piano
Technicians Guild (PTG).  We have approximately 70 members in our chapter and over half of our members are Registered Piano Technicians. A Registered Piano Technician (RPT) is a piano technician who has passed a series of rigorous tests given by the PTG.
Chapter Board Members 2016-2017
President:
Vice President:
Treasurer:
Secretary:
Director:
Director:
Past President:		 Mary Beth Tawes
Robin Olson
David Lamoreaux
Steve Jones
Frank Cahill
John Becker
Ashley Turner
The Piano Technicians Guild website can be found at www.ptg.org
(You are currently visiting the Washington, DC Chapter of the Piano Technicians Guild.)


CHAPTER MEETINGS


Regular chapter meetings include both a Business Meeting and a Technical Presentation.
Usually the Chapter provides light food and beverages during the meeting.

We welcome guests who may be interested in joining our chapter!

Regular chapter meetings are held on the 2nd Monday of the month,
August - November and February - May
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 OUR NEXT REGULAR CHAPTER MEETING WILL BE HELD

Monday, May 8, 2017

at

Steinway Piano Gallery
11611 Old Georgetown Road
Rockville, MD 20877
(301) 770-3377
May's Technical Presentations are by John Becker, David Lamoreaux, RPT,
andSteve Jones, RPT

John Becker - “What is the best level of service to provide a customer who owns
a piano that has been allowed to decline? Listen to what they want, need and expect.
Then assess, advise and address...”

Dave Lamoreaux - “I plan to show an array of different tuning levers--fixed and impact--
and some demo of how they are used, including the Levitan lever I am using land why.
An appeal to all to pay attention to any pain signals we might get and to seek answers.”

Steve Jones - “One of the most impactful technicals I attended was around 1994: a hand
surgeon came to the DC PTG Chapter, and spoke, among other things, about some of
the dangers of “heavy actions.” He believed that heavy actions were a significant
factor in piano players developing focal dystonia. He spoke specifically of Leon Fleisher.
He believed the fact that Vladimir Horowitz, on the other hand, gave a famous concert at
age 92 and played very light actions - one technician measured downweight around
35 grams - this surgeon felt that these were not coincidences.  There was significant risk
to one’s hands if one played heavy actions. This technical allows the technician
to evaluate quickly and efficiently the heaviness of the action - particularly using the
new BOLDUC touchweight tool. This technical is designed to give you, the technician,
more work while providing a very needed benefit for the customer. I have found many
technicians neglect to INFORM customers of “heavy actions,” and yet -
when CORRECTED - customers tend to be extremely happy! I will also include
a simple spreadsheet I have developed to help complete a job.”


                                                     5:00 PM:  Food & Conversation
                                                     6:00 PM:  Business Meeting and Break
                                                     7:00 PM:  Technical Presentation

 

 
 

The Piano Technicians Guild
Chapter 201 - Washington, DC