<html> <head> <META HTTP-EQUIV="Content-Type" CONTENT="text/html; charset=us-ascii"> <meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 10 (filtered)"> <style>  </style> </head> <body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple> <div class=Section1> STUDENT MEMBERSHIP PROPOSAL       By Paul Kupelian, RPT   As Council approaches in Rochester, I would like to ask your opinion concerning the feasibility of a student membership category.  This category would only apply to individuals enrolled in a full time course of study in piano technology at an accredited institution and would be valid for a two year period or until the student completes the course work whichever is less.   The student membership category would offer the student the opportunity to join PTG at a reduced dues rate of $100.00.  In order to be eligible for this dues rate, the student would have to have approval in writing of the dean or chair of the institution he or she is attending.   If the application fee proposal is passed, I would also encourage a reduced application fee for students. Chapter dues would be waived at the discretion of the chapter.   The rational behind this proposal is to give the student a chance to join PTG while engaged in piano technology. I view it as ‘casting bread upon the water’. This way the student becomes an active participant in PTG and will most likely stay in the organization once he/she completes the coursework. This would also allow the student to upgrade to RPT immediately following graduation if not before thereby providing PTG with more skilled technicians and future instructors.   I am inviting your comments both pro and con on the merits of this proposal so please contact me at <a href="mailto:NERVP@ptg.org">NERVP@ptg.org</a>, or 315-623-9484.   </div> </body> </html>