Piano Tech Radio Hour

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 | FacebookSpotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

10/4/23 • 58:34

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 | FacebookSpotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

9/13/23 • 61:16

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 | FacebookSpotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

9/6/23 • 59:14

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 | FacebookSpotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

8/30/23 • 60:25

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 | FacebookSpotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

8/23/23 • 63:38

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 | FacebookSpotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

8/16/23 • 61:30

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 | FacebookSpotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

8/9/23 • 59:34

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 | FacebookSpotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

8/2/23 • 60:11

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 | FacebookSpotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

7/26/23 • 60:12

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 | FacebookSpotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

7/19/23 • 58:02

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 | FacebookSpotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

7/5/23 • 63:50

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 | FacebookSpotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

6/28/23 • 61:20

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 | FacebookSpotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

6/21/23 • 65:20

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 | FacebookSpotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

6/14/23 • 61:35

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 | FacebookSpotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

6/7/23 • 60:10

In this session we are joined by Stephen Brady, the author of Under the Lid - the Art and Craft of the Concert Piano Technician. He has been in the piano business for close to five decades and in this session he delivers many gems of wisdom he has acquired over the years. First he talks about training–the process of acquiring the crucial skill a piano solopreneur needs. Steve hoes on to talk about taking classes, building a reliable network, research and reading. These are some of the key ingredients in the lifestyle of high-end piano tech.Our co-host David Andersen introduces the mindset of the piano masters. He says, “If you can make a radical change in the sound of a piano in a relatively short amount of time - you win”. Stephan talks about this topic as well, breaks it down, and specifies how he has applied this in his life. If you are looking to get deep insights into the essentials of building a business in the piano industry - this class is for you. 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 | FacebookSpotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

5/31/23 • 60:11

In this hour, we are joined by Udo Steingraber from Germany, who took over the Steingraber Company at the tender age of 24 and has created a whole new line of products since then. From the old world to the cutting edge, he’s been dedicated to bringing the best of piano past, present and future into one fine instrument. Udo has also been the guiding force behind the European Piano Technician Degree.  Listen as Udo talks about the 200-year lineage of Steingraber, one of the finest piano companies in the world. He traces the company's journey since his involvement and how it came to have the value and fame it does today. He also untangles the dilemma between innovating and retaining classical and traditional elements in piano making. If you want an inside look at the mind of a master and industry leader, this session is for you. Stay tuned and you’ll find out how Udo introduced alternative sounds and touches to his pianos to enrich the life of artists - and so much more. Here’s a little bit about our guest Udo Steingraeber: In 1980, Udo took over the direction of the company at the tender age of twenty-four. Along with inventors, he also created a whole new range of products within the Steingraeber & Sons brand. He’s been the guiding force behind the European Piano Technician Degree. Udo has been awarded two cultural prizes, one from the city of Bayreuth, the other from the Region of Upper Franconia.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 | FacebookSpotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

5/24/23 • 63:36

How often have you let your intuition take the upper hand while tuning?In this episode, David Andersen sheds light on a rarely spoken-about aspect of piano tuning. He says, "We all think way too much. [As a piano tech] we've tuned piano thousands of times and our bodies remember that." And according to David, it's so important that we don't get stuck on our fears of making mistakes--our fear of failing. In many respects, we can just relax and let our bodies do the work. Further on, in this episode, Eathan also adds the perspective of someone more analytical. Despite the advantages of thorough analysis, too much of "I should be doing this" or "that article said to do that thing" can cause distractions and not actually help you tune a piano well. So, letting our bodies do the tuning doesn't just apply to the intuitive folks. It applies to all!Tune into this episode and listen to David Andersen talk about how "being bad first" can help you and also learn about open string tuning. We'll even touch upon some of Virgil Smith's tuning practices and so much more.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 | FacebookSpotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

5/10/23 • 61:48

You must have tuned a piano for a recording at least once in your life. If not, you might wish to tune for a recording studio at some point…Our Radio Hour guest in this episode, Frank Wolf, a highly-acclaimed sound engineer, shares his opinions on what makes a piano perfect for recording right down to the intricacies of recording within different genres. The live audience from Piano Tech Radio Hour this session jumps in with their experience on tuning for recordings as well. We’re reminded that touching the mic is a big no-no, we even hear of Elton John’s own tricks to recording the best sound, and so much more.  Tune into this episode to learn about all the ins and outs of how a piano should sound during recording. Listen to different recordings by Frank and listen to the magical vibes of the pianos used in them. Here’s a little bit about our guest Frank Wolf: Frank Wolf has worked as a sound engineer on several top shows and movies. He was the scoring mixer for movies like Rambo: The Last Blood, The Mummy, Charlie’s Angels, and Looney Tunes and worked on soundtracks of Mulan, Tangled, Monsters, Inc, and many more.He graduated from the Los Angeles Recording and Film School as a Sound/Recording Engineer and worked with top-tier production houses like Monterrey Productions, DreaMusiCinema, 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 | FacebookSpotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

5/3/23 • 62:17

In this episode of our podcast, join us as we delve into the world of pedaling technique, piano hammer shaping, and voicing with classical pianist, Frederic Chiu. With a wealth of experience and musical achievements under his belt, Frederic is joined by the veteran piano technician and piano industry expert, Eric Johnson.In addition to a fascinating discussion of advanced pedal techniques, they tackle the topic of humility. Even the most skilled technicians have moments of uncertainty, but Frederic and Eric explore how to navigate those situations and grow from them.Do you know what the phrase "piano techs do not control what the piano sounds like" means? Frederic provides insights on pedal regulation and usage, explaining how the pianist can use the piano to create unique and captivating sounds.Ready to uncover the secrets of excellent piano playing? Frederic shares his personal philosophy on the art of music-making and the importance of pedaling techniques. Tune in to hear more from this performance, theory, and technique expert.Here's a little bit about our Guest Frederic Chiu: Frederic’s innovative programming includes “Classical Smackdown,” where composers face off in head-to-head comparisons, with listeners voting for their favorite composer: Debussy vs. Prokofiev, Bach vs. Glass, etc. With his wife, Jeanine Esposito, he co-created the arts non-profit, Beechwood Arts & Innovation, to explore collaboration across art genres and the use of the arts and technology to create community. His innovative vision of Romeo & Juliet – The Choice, an immersive, interactive production of the popular Prokofiev ballet, debuted in 2018. Frederic teaches at both Carnegie Mellon University and The Hartt School.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 | FacebookSpotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

4/26/23 • 60:00

Today’s session features Del Fandrich, an icon in piano design and a leading industry expert. He talks about his transition from working in the field and tuning pianos to getting into piano design. Del tells us about how to identify a gap in the industry and bridge it effectively. He also walks us through some of the original designs in pianos and where they originated. Building on this, he shares his knowledge about why some pianos have been designed in a certain way, how designs have evolved, and in some cases, why features have been discontinued. Del also gets into specifics about what determines a certain kind of sound - warm, bright, and so forth. If you want to expand your understanding beyond tuning and look at the specifics of designs, this is the class for you.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 | FacebookSpotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

4/19/23 • 61:18

David Anderson, our co-host, turns guest today. He has been in the industry for decades, has made nearly every mistake, and has acquired so much excellent knowledge along the way. He calls this failing upwards. "Be bad first; you're never going to get better without it. It's the gateway to success" David shares how to get over gripping and paralyzing fear when trying something new. He also takes on questions about cushions of air under strike points, puck sounds of the jack hitting the spoon, and action alignment based on sound. If you want to get deep into the weeds with David and hear him talk about all the obscure and lesser-known details of piano tuning, tune into this session! Here's a little bit about our host 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 | FacebookSpotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

4/12/23 • 61:32

We piano techs all tend to nerd out about our piano tools every once in a while, don’t we?Tune in to this Piano Tech Radio Hour episode and learn what our guest, Boaz Kirschenbaum has up his sleeve or should we say inside his fancy leather tool case? In this session you might discover some unknown or rarely made tools or encounter other fun surprises–with Boaz you can always expect a rewarding lecture.Besides being a precision touch design installer, an action specialist, and an amazing Piano technician, Boaz Kirschenbaum is also a toolkit enthusiast and can go on and on about the array of tools he owns. His toolkit consists of several one-of-a-kind tools… Some of them were handed down to him by his mentors, some designed especially for him, and others were acquired during his trips abroad. If you’re someone who is wondering whether you need a tool to upgrade or want a tool for a specific tuning activity, you might find your answers in this episode.One important message from Boaz: the only thing you need to accompany excellent skills is highly efficient tools. And never worry too much about their price… as you’ll often make that money back within one job that tool helps perform!Here’s a little bit about our guest Boaz Kirschenbaum:Boaz is a graduate of the CF Theodore Steinway Academy in Hamburg, Germany, and holds a Diploma in Advanced Piano Technology from the North Bennet Street School. Boaz was employed by Steinway & Sons from 2003-2006. His mentors include Bruce Clark, Ron Coners, Aleks Markovich, Eric Schandall, and David Stanwood. Boaz is a Precision Touch Design Installer and action specialist. He returned to field service in 2015 as a full-time road warrior for Fredrick Mudge, servicing all of New England and New York City.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 | FacebookSpotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

4/5/23 • 62:18

Learn how guesstimating is a crucial part of piano tuning from Chris Brown. According to him, trial and error learning, guessing, and estimating are some of the strongest tools at the disposal of piano technicians. We learn it from the earliest age.  When Piano Techs learn to tune a piano they are doing trial and error learning, monitoring three-dimensionally all aspects of the tension and twist of pins.  Chris further shares how he discovered that traditional practices in piano tuning were not enough to get the finest results.  Tune into this podcast episode with Chris Brown, Registered Piano Technician (RPT), and our special hosts David Andersen and Eathan Janney as they dive into discussions on several piano tuning technicalities right from the hammers to pins and keys. A little 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 | FacebookSpotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

3/29/23 • 59:59

Today’s episode features Bill Monroe, an expert at rebuilding grand pianos and a top technician with over 20 years of experience. In covering a range of topics, Bill starts by talking about the thought that goes into building and organizing a shop. Planning your own workshop? Tune in to learn why ductwork (custom tubing) underneath the concrete is a cheat code and a pro tip. How do you divide your time between fieldwork and the shop? Bill shares his insights about managing a variable and dynamic schedule. Lastly, have you thought about elevating your business through a web presence? Bill has seen his business grow over the past five years through online savvy, and he breaks it down for us. If you want to hear from a leading piano tech about his journey, methods, and tips to navigate this industry, tune in!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 | FacebookSpotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

3/22/23 • 61:42

Concert tuning can easily go wrong by under or overdoing it. The reason? You have to keep in mind that what an artist hears won’t be the same as what the concert hall audience hears. In this episode, our hosts David Andersen and Eathan Janney, along with our amazing live audience get into a deep discussion on everything from Jurgen Goering’s chopstick voicing tool to tuning the piano so that the musicians find the kinesthetic snap–the popping sound and feel that make for the best player experience.And that’s not all, members from our live audience jump into the discussion with their tools, share their expertise and have a good time being oh-so nerdy about pianos.If you have any questions or curiosity about what’s going on in the piano industry tune into this episode and get yourself updated regarding concert tuning tips and more.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 | FacebookSpotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

3/15/23 • 60:54

Today's guest is Eric Johnson. A man whose true calling is with pianos. He tried to leave the piano industry at one time, pursuing a degree in business and a different career. It was when he had a series of interviews with banks, insurance companies, and consulting businesses during his second year of business school that it hit him. He could not pretend that what they were saying was intriguing! The words weren't exciting, and the work wasn't either. Why pretend? So, after a few dull job experiences, he returned to the piano industry. Early on, he joined Jordan Kitts Music and made various connections before landing a job at Yamaha. Due to his professional background, he has developed strong relationships inside the piano industry and a deep understanding of how it works. His career has been long and storied, and he's built an impeccable reputation. He currently tunes and fixes pianos in Charleston, South Carolina, and New York City neighborhoods.Here's a little bit about our guest Eric Johanson:Eric Johnson, RPT is an active PTG member specializing in high-end European Pianos. He has worked for piano manufacturers like Kimball, Yamaha, and Bosendorfer for significant time periods. In addition to piano work, he’s earned an MBA from Cornell University. His career has led him to become well-connected in and knowledgeable about the piano industry. He currently tunes and repairs pianos in areas surrounding New York City and Charleston SC.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 | FacebookSpotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

3/8/23 • 61:47

In this week's episode, David Graham and Thomas Zoells of PianoForte in Chicago join us. David pays homage to the great Virgil Smith, a renowned piano tuner. The icon of the piano trade still inspires him to this day. Virgil constantly pursued improvement and sought a better way. David would run across people who had studied with Virgil and continued to apply techniques learned for years, only to discover that Virgil's own methods had changed and improved by then. David said of Virgil, "He picked up the tuning hammer, and if he were still alive, he would still be tuning differently."Our second guest, Thomas, previously spent 20 years in the banking industry. Through his banking experience, Thomas learned how to analyze firms' balance statements and identify potentially dangerous situations. Thomas put this knowledge to use once he had a piano store. In 2004 when the piano market was in decline, it was challenging to sell a piano. At this moment, Thomas was cautious and didn't take on too much debt or inventory, which paid off. The piano business is like any other. You've got to manage overhead and cash flow and pay attention to trends. Tune in to learn from Thomas's savvy perspective.Here's a little bit about our guests:Thomas ZoellsThomas and his wife Darcy founded PianoForte Chicago, Inc. and PianoForte Foundation NFP in 2004. Having grown up in Switzerland and Vienna, he had worked for Ingpen & Williams in London, a classical artist agency, but then had a nearly 20-year career in banking. From being a store with only 4 pianos, all of them by Fazioli, PianoForte has grown into the premier downtown Chicago showroom. PianoForte features the full line of Yamaha pianos, as well as a 100-seat venue and recording studio that has become a focal point for small-scale listening and acoustic music recording and streaming. Visit here: www.pianofortechicago.comDavid GrahamHis learning as a piano technician began in a class taught by Robert Carbaugh at Moody. It continued when Virgil Smith said, “ I think you can tune well enough to be my apprentice.” The next change of direction came when he was asked: “ Would you like to tune at Lyric Opera of Chicago?” (1982). He’s still there. He began a full-time position at Northern Illinois University in 1983 and continued until recently transitioning to part-time. In 2004 he began working with Pianoforte Chicago on Fazioli and other high-end pianos alongside Thomas Zoells. His current clientele is a mix of private clients and institutions.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 | FacebookSpotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

3/1/23 • 61:35

In today’s session, Jurgen Goering talks about his journey of becoming a German-trained piano maker. Ever wondered how to navigate having clients from different cultures? Learn from Jurgen whose love for exploring different cultures has landed him a ring of clients in the Arctic Circle. He also shows us his souvenirs of ivory tusks from the north pole! Do you as a technician wonder which tools are best for the job? Jurgen talks about the tools he has regretted buying.Here's a little bit about our guest Jurgen Goering:Jurgen is a German-trained Piano Maker and Technician who is based in Canada. He is the owner of Piano Forte Supply, North America’s specialty supplier of the world’s finest tools, materials, and parts to piano technicians and other industry professionals.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 | FacebookSpotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

2/22/23 • 59:24

In this session, Tim Barnes, a serial entrepreneur currently running two successful, well-loved piano companies, discusses his journey. Tune in and listen to Tim talk about how he went from owning a lawn care business to becoming a piano industry business leader. Tim has become a seasoned piano tuner, built a team of skilled piano technicians, and a platform we all use for scheduling--Gazelle. Tim says, "a lot of people aren't aware of the capacity of their piano." He describes how to leverage this fact to exceed client expectations and help them realize the true potential of their pianos.  Have you, as a technician and freelancer, needed help deciding the right pricing for your services? Charging too little? Too much? Just right? Tim shares insights about these by looking at pricing and skill alignment.Here's a little bit about our guest Timothy Barnes:Timothy Barnes is the founder of three successful companies, the well-loved pianos, Barnes String covers, LLC, and the Gazelle network. In addition, he is a seasoned piano tuner, author, teacher, entrepreneur, and leader in the PTG. He is based in Charlotte, NC.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 | FacebookSpotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

2/15/23 • 60:01