Questions for enlightenment concerning the PTG Convention

[Jim Coleman, Sr.]

Hi Caleb:

As far as I know there are no classes which are available to the general
public. Our exhibits are only available to those who are registered. The
Conventions and Institutes are designed primarily for the upgrading of
all of our respective skills. There is no place on earth where as much
information is available. We do have beginner classes in several subjects,
but even these are for people whose commitment to this field is sufficient
to make the investment of the registration fee seem quite worthwhile.

For a number of years I was what you might call a freeloader in that I
attended the Conventions each year gladly paying the registration fee, but
withholding my commitment to the organization by not joining the only
organization which makes these things available. Finally I saw the light.
I realized that this is really worthwhile. I have been a member of the Piano
Technicians Guild since 1958 and have supported it with my regular dues for
all these years because of the value I saw in the association and the
opportunities for personal growth in technical matters. I now have been
teaching at most of the Conventions and Institutes since 1961 and I consider
it a repayment of gratitude for the many years when I was a freeloader. It
still costs me over a $1000.00 to attend each Convention, not to mention the
lost time and work. I still consider it worth it even for what I can still
learn. I feel that when I quit learning is when I'm dead.

I hope you can see your way clear to come and register and get in on all the
benefits of associating with some very fine people. If you are really
committed to learning the business, you will find yourself well repaid many
times over. And, you are fortunate in that your travel expense will be much
less than mine coming all the way from Arizona. The fact that you are able
to write email shows that you have at least a modicum of intelligence. You
should do well in this field.

Jim Coleman, Sr.

If you have further questions, feel free to write again.

On Tue, 14 Apr 1998, Cheeto LD wrote:

> Hello List,
>       I had a couple questions about the PTG Convention in Providence...I am
> moving to South-eastern Connecticut this June which will put me in proximity
> to the convention. As I am not a PTG member or even a piano tech, but am
> aspiring to become one, I wanted to know if there are going to be any general
> classes, lectures, anything that pertains to piano technology that you don't
> have to be registered for that I could attend? I am very interested in
> learning as much as I can and I think this might be an interesting start to
> get to know piano techs or anything else. 
> 
> Thank you in advance for any information...
> Sincerely,
> Caleb McVey
>