Spockstein@aol.com wrote: > > List, > > I believe, in fact I know that I will be a piano technician but I ma currently > still in the process of choosing how I want to go about becoming one. I have > looked into different options such as the Randy Potter course and North > Bennett Street School in Boston, but am still undecided. So, as you have > already gathered, I am beseeching your infinite wisdom, as different as it may > be, in this problem! > > There are definite advantages to both courses...examples of such being.... > Potter- Cost, tools provided, staying home (no rent, food, or most living > costs!), and even some business help. > NBSS- hands on, supposedly a well respected school, getting to live away > from home (although I'd then have to pay all those darn things I already > mentioned above) > > I would like to know your opinions in this. Is it worth the extra money to go > to a tech school? Would the education really be a lot better than Potter's? > This may sound silly, but how would I learn the business aspects of it, self- > employment and all. Are there any other schools for piano technology that > would be a good choice? > > If there is any other relavent information that you wish to comment on, please > do! I want to know all you can throw at me...By the way...this may help define > myself so there can be better answers....Time spent on learning is not a big > consideration (I can take a long time if I want), I can probably afford about > any way to learn. > > Thanks for even reading this, let alone commenting on it! > > Sincerely, > Caleb McVey I took the Potter course, very good! He even dovotes lots of course work to business development. Once you complete the course, you will know how to start a business!!! But if I had the chance to do it again, I'd go to an academic setting. Maybe..... It's easier to learn when someone is sitting next to you. I think you'd learn faster. It's also easier to motivate yourself when you go to classes. When I took the Potter course, I was working a full-time high tech job. Some days, I did not hit the books. But here is the big question! Can you do without income while learning a field where the income is not that great? Yes, I know that some techs make a good living. I know two here in the Washington DC area who make $50 - 60,000 a year. But I also know others, myself included, who make much less. Most tuners seem to have incomes below the average for where they live. In the beginning, I kept my day job and worked at night to start the business. Now, after 3 years of full-time piano work, I still need to take on contract high-tech work to keep afloat. While I LOVE piano work, I sure am tempted to return to my tech-writing job. $60,000 / year is lots better than than $30,0000. But, I have an 8 year old daughter and my present job(s) allow me to be home with her after school. Otherwise, she would be in after-school day care and not get picked up until 5:30 pm. It's my choice for now. So consider these points: 1. Find out what tuners make in your area and how many years it took to get there. 2. Is it worth the income loss to attend tech school to make that salary? 3. Find out what they like about the field and what they dislike about the field. 4. Are you motivated enough to complete a home-study course. I'm sure many are not. Please note: Potter is a VERY nice fellow to work with. He'll spend lots of time on the phone explaining anything that puzzles you. He also has other technicians associated with the school who can answer your questions, including Jim Coleman! If you have any specifc questions, you can e-mail me direct. -- Frank Cahill Associate Member Northern Va
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