[CAUT] Job Opening, U. of Michigan, Ann Arbor

[Richard Brekne]

Hi David.

At this point and on this forum I suppose this discussion is just 
tossing ideas around about possible ways of creating a credible CAUT 
specialist certification... one that would (could potentially) command 
enough respect among universities so that the general status of at least 
head technicians at universities is raised. That would no doubt include 
salaries as well.

For example... my impression this summer at Oberlin was that its the 
techs who have by and large the end say on how each instrument is to be 
maintained.. how it will be voiced and in general how it will perform. 
They of course work with the pianists.. but the pianotechnician 
department has loads of direct support and confidence from the 
administration and are answerable to them... not to some piano section 
chair.  This is how it should be... but then that in turn requires a  
top notch technician staff.

I dont see a conflict between contriving a credible certification and 
the suggestion of continued education... quite the opposite really.. I 
find the two suggestions complimentary towards one another.

All this said... there are folks in a CAUT think tank hashing out ideas 
and its their job to come up with something... not mine.  If they are 
reading this discussion I suppose our thoughts will be looked at... but 
its their bit. 

Cheers
RicB


    I'm really trying to figure out what this is all about...is it about
    getting more respect and the higher salaries that might bring?   If
    a college degree is RPT, we want to be able to attain a PHD in piano
    technology?  Really become a piano doctor...;-]   I think the
    suggestion of continued education makes the most sense and bang for
    the buck.   But, I think the real crux of problem is school
    positions continue to be filled that pay the same as custodians...if
    positions can't be filled, such as the New England Conservatory
    position, the money will go up....


    David Ilvedson, RPT
    Pacifica, CA  94044