In a message dated 99-02-16 19:11:41 EST, you write: << My question to this group is: Do you feel that our temperament standards are a little too high? I would like some feedback. I am not promoting Historical or hysterical tunings. In all of the classes where I have done this type of test, it was conceded that both tunings were good tunings. Have I opened a "can or worms" or what?>> Jim, you remember that I was one of the first to be demonstrative about the wrong piano last Sunday....sigh. First my reflections on the temperament section of the tuning test, Second, a proposal for a direction I wish the PTG would go, instead. 1 - The tuning test: I took the test with a visual aid in 1984. Both visual and aural exams passed easily, but my aural (midrange 2 octaves) was 10 points higher - about 94%, I think - and I was not so hot an aural tuner (I was pleasantly surprised). I will retest this year (fell off the PTG wagon in 1993) as an aural tuner. Has the temperament test scoring been tightened since '84? I am not clear on the history of the scoring of the tuning test since 1980, although posts have referred to it having been tightened up. Jim, I think what you said in class Sunday is true: a few months concentrating on the basics in our daily tuning routines and we should have little trouble with the test. (I will take the test in June myself, so I hope I haven't spoken too soon....) I am in favor of the RPT test as we have known it since 1980. The refinements in the technical test are good. But - 2. I propose that we begin to take our focus away from refinements in the RPT test and look at something else. Instead of tightening standards further (as well as possibly relaxing the temperament test??), why not consider a different way of recognizing specialization in our field than has been proposed in the past? Instead of concentrating on tightening standards further, or adding other levels of testing, why not certify specialized convention coursework? This is more than a proposal to rename current classes. But it is not a proposal for an expensive and politically charged specialty rebuilding designation, either. Specialization coursework certification need not involve the extensive testing and administration required by the current RPT examinations. For example, after the RPT has been earned, further specialization might be earned only after participation in a curriculum which could be included in regular state and annual conventions. Completion of that curriculum earns a PTG CE (continuing education) specialization certificate in that specialization. While not all convention coursework would be tailored for the CE specializations, some courses would be included at each annual convention (and some state conventions) - and these offerings should help to enlarge convention attendance, especially as the certification becomes sought after. Areas which specialization could be offered include (the following are the two areas I believe should be covered, at a minimum): College and university service. A curriculum which is well rounded, and tailored to the demands of the (usually) NASM-certified music departments/schools. The technician would benefit from the thorough curriculum, the service to the institution should improve, and the stature of the PTG in the music educational community would be improved. Music administrators would increasingly seek RPTs who have this specialization. Without special curriculum, some classes may never be offered - subjects like using student help, or the political and administrative aspects of univ. service, or balancing the needs of the various departments as you service the performance pianos, or the special rebuilding procedures of the frequently serviced university piano, etc. Only the experienced university tech can address these issues, and the best place for this is at the conventions. RPT standing would be further enhanced in the eyes of the univ/music administrator. Basic piano rebuilding. The RPT test does not address rebuilding skills, and only briefly addresses rebuilding knowledge. Excellent classes are regularly offered at the conventions, but it is possible for the RPT rebuilder to be marginal or incompetent. The idea has been to make the resources of the PTG available to the learning rebuilder; why not go a step further, and create an incentive for the learning rebuilder to obtain a well-rounded education in rebuilding, through the various classes - both theoretical and hands-on - which are offered at the conventions? That incentive would be a rebuilding coursework certification. Classes required would include the gamut of rebuilding classes usually offered, as well as classes like Vivian Brooks' class on the money side of the business. The CE certification would help to standardize curriculum. The increase in knowledge about the piano as it applies to the rebuilder/restorer, and the increasing availability of a plethora of fine parts choices meeting high technical standards - these developments cry for a basic rebuilding certification which shows that the RPT with a CE rebuilding certification at least has sought the basic skills and knowledge to make use of these resources. There would be real benefits from of an organized curriculum which certifies the RPT specialist. The RPT membership will be more thoroughly developed and educated. The RPT standing should itself be more sought after - as a stepping stone to specialization. The music dept chair might further respect the RPT designation. The conventions may be better attended. The PTG will be seen as becoming a more modern professional organization serving the very real needs of its members. The PTG simply does not have the resources financially to take the idea of specialization to the level of testing and field inspections (shop evaluations, project inspections, etc....) But why not become organized enough to have a standard continuing education curriculum in a few specialization areas? This will permit the PTG to more thoroughly meet its goal of advanced RPT training, it will show the public and the music schools that the RPT has at least a basic certification in important specialized areas, it may provide additional inducement for non-PTG members to become RPTs, and finally, a thorough curriculum should improve the overall level of knowledge and skills of all PTG members. Sorry for the verbosity - if you made it to here, what do you think? is this pie-in-the-sky? Or is it just too intense for our conventions? Bill Shull La Sierra University, Loma Linda University Loma Linda, CA >>
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