Looking for info......

[Jim Coleman, Sr.]

Hi Robert:

I can empathize with you, having been a Band director myself. I like to
recommend the Randy Potter Correspondence course because it gives a good
structured approach to the entire field of piano service. Next, I like
to recommend joining the Piano Technicians Guild as an Associate member.
You will receive our monthly magazine as well as favorable treatment by
most other members when you have questions. If you can apprentice yourself
to someone in the field in your area this is also a great advantage.

You can do a search of the archives of this list to find questions answered
which will occur to you from time to time.

I also like to recommend an electronic tuning device to be used as a help
in your learning to tune well. This gives you a private tutor. Just don't
become so dependent upon it that you never really learn to tune on your
own. Such devices as Korg, Seiko, and other band tuners are not much help
in piano tuning.

I have written a couple of articles which give a person a practical method
of preparing for his Registered Piano Tuning Exam. Write me if you would
like a copy by email.

I also sell the Sanderson AccuTuners which are the most accurate electronic
tuning devices. with such a device, you will be up and running much quicker
than if you just struggle on your own without any help.

Jim Coleman, Sr.

On Tue, 6 Oct 1998, Robert wrote:

> Dear Piano Technicians:
> 
> My name is Robert Brainerd and I live in St. Joseph, MO. I have been a
> band director for the last 17 years and  was diagnosed with lymphatic
> cancer about three years ago.
> 
> Needless to say that complicated my life plans in a big way, but I truly
> believe that I am going to survive this. Due to some radical surgeries
> and some very tough treatment however, my health and endurance are not
> at all what they were before the cancer.  I just can't physically keep
> up with pace and drive needed to maintain a successful band program.  I
> have been a musician my entire life and would like to stay in the field.
> 
> Piano tuning as a professional is very appealing to me and I would like
> to get started. I currently attend the Piano Technicians Guild meetings
> in Kansas City and have bought a used piano for "lab" work and a book on
> tuning and servicing by Arthur Reblitz. Trying to find a mentor has been
> nearly impossible, and I can understand that.
> 
> I am writing to ask if any of you might have some suggestions that could
> help me along my new journey.  Also, if anyone has any materials, or
> courses in piano tuning that they would not mind re-selling to me,
> provided they are no longer in need of them.
> 
> Any response from you would be greatly appreciated, and I look forward
> to hearing from some of you soon.
> 
> Yours sincerely,
> Robert Brainerd
>