Report from EuroPiano July/Sept issue

[Richard Brekne]

List

Earlier this year I wrote a bit about the ongoing discussion in Norway
about regulating the piano service industry. Service personale would be
required to take a government approved education and pass an exam to be
able to work professionally in the trade.

In the last issue of EuroPiano there is an article briefly describing
the education of pianotechs in Switzerland. I thought perhaps some of
you might be interested in a synopsis of this article.. so here it is.

In Switzerland the disiplin of pianotecnique (tuning, regulation,
repair, and rebuilding) is taught at technical university level schools.
The ciriculum is set by the national education board and is carried out
by individual states (counties). An apprenticeship is contractually
established between the student and those responsible for his/her
education. (for example a master, or a school).

The apprenticeship lasts 4 years. There is no requirement pertaining to
earlier education on the part of the apprentice but each new apprentice
is evaluated before being accepted for suitability. The apprentice is
entitled to a salary based on what is "normal" for the industry as a
whole. The apprentice shall receive instruction in all areas pertaining
to piano technique (as set by the education board) during the four year
period. At the same time the apprentice shall participate in a practical
introduction course (13 weeks in all) during the apprenticeship.

One day a week the student shall attend classes at the technical school
and shall recieve formal / theoretical instruction in the following
areas:

Trade related:

Acoustic, technical calculations, physical mechanics, technical drawing,
materials (characteristics and  useage), music scale theory, instrument
building and design, and the history of piano building.

General knowledge courses required include:

German and French correspondance, math, buisness administration, and
social studies.

Two yearly progress reports must be satisfactory and signed by the the
apprentice and the responsible instructor.

In the end the apprenctice must pass an exam which takes all together a
week to complete. Three days for the practical and two for theoritical.
Succesfull completion of these results in a diploma as proof of his /
her trade proficiency and gives them the right to practice independently
as profesional piano technicians.

Masters who are responsible for such education attend seminars and
courses administered by the state to update and confirm their status.

And thats the way things are in Switzerland. grin..

Just thought you might all like to know..

Richard Brekne
I.C.P.T.G.  N.P.T.F.
Bergen, Norway