[CAUT] CAUT Credential vs. Academic Program

[johnsond]

Hi-

It just occurred to me that perhaps an easier, even more effective means 
to our goal here..... might not be accrediting ourselves with another 
PTG credential, which is going to be problematic, but rather that we 
outline and offer an official accreditation backed by PTG and 
manufacturers to specific schools with a sound piano maintenance 
program. If you think about it, such an accreditation would serve our 
interest as well as those with more influence. Imagine this 
accreditation being listed as part qualification for a particular school 
to join the list of "Steinway Schools" - or to engage in the Yamaha or 
Kawai loan programs. Why not? ....and we know how schools love 
accreditations.

Once something was established we could easily and more attractively 
offer individual evaluation programs to schools toward this end. This 
sort of thing is done all the time in other areas. Imagine if eventually 
such an accreditation carried as much weight as the other school 
qualifications in order to be in business and offer degrees.... could 
happen. I think it sounds easier on the surface to come up with 
something amongst ourselves, for ourselves and that is good. Real change 
however, is likely going to require more powerful influence than 
something we award to ourselves. If instead, we award it to good, 
properly funded programs and have the support and backing of the larger 
industry behind that credential- it can only get better.


Dennis Johnson
St. Olaf College