[CAUT] CAUT Endorsement (was Re: Job Opening, U. of Michigan, Ann Arbor)

[Richard Brekne]

Hi David

I of course dont remember the Craftsman test... but I know a bit about 
the German Meister test... and you sure as heck have to show you know 
and can a whole lot of things pianowise.  A fair share of bonified math 
and physics university level is required along with all the rest.  But 
to be sure... I tend to agree with you that American wise... the RPT 
test was in general an improvement if only for no other reason then to 
bring a minimum set of standards that are more or less equally applied 
in all instances.  Fairness was one of the primary goals as the story 
has been told to me.

Still Jons post points out the weakness in the scheme... namely that the 
RPT designation has led to a all to often false sense of authority when 
in reality it is a very good journeymen designation... but not more.  I 
really dont think there should be much to dispute about that statement. 

We end up where we always have... some wanting some kind of 
credential... others prefer the keep educating line without such 
certification goals... yet all wanting to find a way of reaching the 
University Administration and public at large with our appeals as to how 
important our work is and how well the <<deserving>> tech should be paid 
and treated. 

The problem is that we provide no tangible transferable method or means 
of telling them who the <<deserving>> techs are and arent... we 
essentially leave that up to them to figure out.

So... perhaps here is something... a route we can pursue with a greater 
chance of finding agreement.  How about  coming up with a document that 
simply recommends to University administrations what a Head of Piano 
Technology Department should be able to do.  We wrote this huge thing 
describing how much time so and so many pianos requires to keep serviced 
at a so and so level.... I wonder how many Admin types got past the 
first page ?  Yet a one page document that describes what the tech 
should actually be capable of... that might get read seriously... might 
set a standard for all these job listings... and might be a place to 
start all this.

Just a thought.

Cheers
RicB

    I don't buy that...PTG is us.   RPT or Associate.   The whole idea
    was improve the overall quality of piano tuners.  If a tech becomes
    a member he is more likely to go to meetings and conventions and
    upgrade his skills.   I remember my Craftsman test eons ago...I
    tuned a horribly out of tune piano and the "Craftsman" said OK, you
    in.   This was in North Dakota.   When I took the test the 2nd time
    California, I just had to do a few repairs, file a hammer and I
    can't even remember if I tuned a piano...I was established...sort
    of.  I finally took the RPT test and it was a much improved test of
    skills.   

        "it used to be that you had to actually prove skills via a
        rebuilt or restrung piano with a new block and attending finish
        work. RPT is paperwork albeit tuning skills."

    Does anyone else remember this testing for Craftsman?  I sure don't.  

    David Ilvedson, RPT
    Pacifica, CA 94044

    From: "Jon Page"


         "Our consensus is that we should test for the skill level
        appropriate for a concert tuner."


    What does this mean? In simplest terms:

    These tests are good for proving one's ability but when you stop and
    look at it,who's going to say they want to jump through these hoops
    for half pay. It's like asking how long can you hold your breath
    while standing on you head in 2 feet of muck., so the guy who holds
    it longer gets the job.   OOooooooo sign me up for qualifying.  It
    only proves that one has a high threshold for BS.

    I don't mean to sound negative but an improved skills test is a
    result of the 'dumbing-down' of the classification "Craftsman" from
    by-gone years.  RPT is (pardon the expression) just to keep 'asses
    in the seats'. When I started, the requirements to attain this
    status was far beyond what qualifies for RPT. it used to be that you
    had to actually prove skills via a rebuilt or restrung piano with a
    new block and attending finish work. RPT is paperwork albeit tuning
    skills.

    Personally, I have no desire to attain RPT status because I do not
    like to or want to tune pianos. So why take a test to qualify me for
    something I am not interested in??  Heck, some of my workload is
    fixing the work of RPT's!!!!!

    The Happy Associate,

    Regards,
    Jon Page