[CAUT] Piano juries on concert instruments

[Scott E. Thile]

My environment at Murray State is fantastic! I work with excellent faculty,
administrators, and students who make beautiful music. They appreciate my
work. I'm adequately paid and have excellent benefits.

Hope and pray that those of you in difficult positions will find ways to
improve them.

All the best,

Scott E. Thile
Piano/Instrument Technician
---------------------------
Dept. of Music, Murray State University
504 Fine Arts Building, Murray, KY 42071
Office Phone: 270-809-4396 
http://campus.murraystate.edu/staff/scott.thile/


> -----Original Message-----
> From: caut-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:caut-bounces at ptg.org] On 
> Behalf Of Jim Busby
> Sent: Tuesday, January 05, 2010 7:43 AM
> To: caut at ptg.org
> Subject: Re: [CAUT] Piano juries on concert instruments
> 
> 
> Hi Paul,
> 
> Dave is right on with me as well. I've been at BYU for 9 
> years and the faculty/staff are like family to me. While I 
> would like more money (who wouldn't) the salary and benefits 
> are sufficient for my needs, but the people are why I stay 
> more than the money. 
> 
> 
> Regards,
> Jim Busby
> 
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: caut-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:caut-bounces at ptg.org] On 
> Behalf Of Paul Milesi
> Sent: Monday, January 04, 2010 5:13 PM
> To: PTG CAUT List
> Subject: Re: [CAUT] Piano juries on concert instruments
> 
> As someone new to this list (4 months), new to being a CAUT 
> (started last February), and relatively inexperienced as a 
> technician (5 years), I have been following this thread with 
> great interest and considerable dismay.  I don't know any of 
> you on this list personally, but now I feel compelled to say 
> a big "Thank You" to Dave Porritt for expressing so clearly 
> and succinctly what I have been wanting to say for some time 
> now.  I agree with and echo his views wholeheartedly.
> 
> At Howard University, I am being treated with the utmost 
> respect.  My rather radical departures from previous techs in 
> everything from instrument allocation to the types of work 
> performed are welcomed with interest and enthusiasm.  I am 
> accorded great deference and freedom in terms of my work 
> schedule, and the goals and priorities I set for the work I 
> perform.  They have, for the first time, set aside a practice 
> room that I use as a shop/office, and provided funds for the 
> necessary shelving, etc.  Yes, I choose to work plenty of 
> evenings and weekends, when access is easy and I am relaxed.  
> I voluntarily attend recitals to assess my own work and the 
> needs and talents of our faculty and student body, and to 
> enjoy fellowship with others who love music.
> 
> As I've read this thread, I have sometimes thought that the 
> reason things are working so well for me is that I am a 
> reasonably accomplished pianist, and that helps me to earn 
> the respect of the music faculty and students. But I'm not 
> sure that's really the reason.  I believe it has more to do 
> with my attitude, and with my willingness to give freely of 
> myself, my time, and my knowledge and skills -- my 
> enthusiasm.  Yes, I'm probably one of those who could be 
> accused of giving things away, but I'm happier for it.  And 
> there is no end to the explicit expression of appreciation I 
> am shown, by both faculty and students.  Priceless.
> 
> At this point, I look forward to a long, enjoyable and 
> productive relationship with HU.  I know that expectations 
> may change as music chairs and college deans come and go, but 
> for now, at least, I've found a very fulfilling role to play 
> in a musical community.
> 
> Paul
> --