How To Choose an ETD was ... something else

[ed440 at mindspring.com]

David-
You've expressed my intention exactly. Thanks!

Don-
I never get your messages.  Does earthlink block them as spam?

Ed


-----Original Message-----
>From: David Andersen <david at davidandersenpianos.com>
>Sent: May 21, 2006 2:09 PM
>To: Pianotech <pianotech at ptg.org>
>Subject: Re: How To Choose an ETD was ... something else
>
>> Hi Ed,
>> 
>> I disagree. If an ETD is used properly it may lead a "student" to become a
>> very high skilled aural assisted technician far more quickly. "Tools are
>> Tools".
>> 
>> At 06:59 AM 5/21/2006 -0400, you wrote:
>> 
>>> A beginner who starts relying on an ETD will probably not become a highly
>> skilled aural tuner.
>>> So consider the value of continuing to trust and develop your aural skills.
>>> Ed Sutton
>> 
>> Regards,
>> Don Rose,
>
>
>Folks---note the difference; Don says "if used properly,"  Ed says "who
>starts relying on" the ubiquitous ETD.  And there's the rub: I believe it's
>up to the individual, and his/her mentor, the degree to which the student,
>from the beginning, replaces or augments the function of the ear with the
>machine.  
>
>If the machine is actually used as a teaching tool---to SHOW somebody
>visually how close or far they are from ideal, and let their body note that
>info---then  I say what an incredible tool; what an ear and perception
>enhancer.  
>
>If, however, the machine is used as a substitute for
>listening, as something like paint-by-the-numbers, where you're just filling
>in where you're told to, I believe it can hurt an essential learning
>function of the students' body and being; further, I think it
>can---CAN---lead to a steady lessening of the students' ability to truly
>listen with the whole body in a relaxed way, which, to me, is the
>fundamental component of doing world-class piano work.
>
>If you're a young (or young at heart) passionate, committed student if piano
>technology, why wouldn't you want to learn how to use your ears in the most
>taxing, intimate, and focused way? You would, if you wanted to wring the
>maximum benefit from your learning.  That's why I believe every serious
>student of piano technology who wants to be a working, every-day pianotech
>will be best served by learning how to tune a piano with ears only.
>
>I think it's better from a self-esteem or confidence POV as well; you know
>you can go anywhere in the world, with just you and a lever and a tone
>source, and tune any piano.  It means something psychologically.
>The idea is to build your skillset, and the sense of power and
>accomplishment that comes with that, until you "feel" like a total pro to
>the world at large, and you can, by telling the truth, hold the reins of
>most every work situation you find yourself in.
>
>Just some thoughts on a gorgeous Sunday AM in SoCal.....
>
>My best to everyone....
>
>David Andersen
>
>P.S.  I'M GETTING EXCITED ABOUT ROCHESTER ....OOOHHHHH.....
>
>  
>
>