It Doesn't Matter

[Greg Newell]

Ron and list,
    All kidding aside you bring up something here that is now, whether I like it
or not, part of a decision I have to make in my life. I have the opportunity to
become the piano tuner/ technician for the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. I
just spent the last 3 days there and part of my concern is a possible racial
component. I spent the last month before I went asking friends, customers, family
and others what they thought about Alabama or if they knew anything at all about
the state. I personally found the people to be friendly and the area MUCH in need
of an experienced technician. I just don't know if it feels like home or not. I
really don't have to move for any reason but the offer would add security to a
sometimes fragile balance of budgets.
    Currently I'm doing my own thing in the Cleveland, Ohio area which is not at a
loss for piano techs form the sheer number of us. Not all are top notch but in an
increasingly tight economy ... well, people do stray. I haven't seen the numbers
yet for the salary they will be offering but I believe it's roughly national
average. (Can anyone confirm what that is?)  I would have 80-85 pianos, 3
harpsichords and one fortepiano and would have my own rebuilding room/office which
would eventually be supplied with a full compliment of tools and supplies. I would
be creating a new position which was never really fully defined or fully utilized.
The pianos need a fair amount of work and accreditation happens early next year.
It is a priority to have the pianos up to snuff. The usual bennies are available
like Blue Cross and Blue Shield, retirement, sick days, vacation days, help for
the conventions may be possible, flexible schedule ..... well you know, the usual.

    I wish that the choice were obvious. Either this was just too good to pass up
and my own business were failing or, the opposite but that just isn't the case.
Wife and girls are willing if not pushing me into it. I'm just not sure. I would
be, according to the head of the college of music, the local hero based upon the
tunings he heard from me and the evaluations and quick repairs on some ongoing
troubles they had when I got there. I would automatically be the tuner for the
local Orchestra and the jazz ensemble and any artist booked there. All calls for a
tuner (he says daily (?) ) would come to me and there is plenty of outside work to
be had if I want it in my flexible schedule. Almost sounds too good to be true,
no? I've no doubt that I could make a good living even with the local price of a
tuning being only $50. The cost of living is much lower.
    I need a sign! Send me a sign!  :>) I just can't seem to make up my mind. I'm
not usually the type for relocating and I never really went looking for this but
........ it's here now and I have to decide. Any thoughts?



Ron Nossaman wrote:

> >
> >  To the PTG it is not the final
> > result but more or less beloning to the brotherhood.
>
> Hey, aren't you supposed to get a hat or hood or something, possibly with eye
> holes, when you join a Brotherhood? Nobody mentioned a hat when I joined the
> PTG. I think I was robbed! Bunch of cheapskates, wouldn't even spring for a
> cool hat. There's probably a secret handshake and password they didn't tell me
> about too. And the ring! What about the RING?
>
> Ron N

--
Greg Newell
Greg's Piano Forté
12970 Harlon Ave.
Lakewood, Ohio 44107
216-226-3791
mailto:gnewell@ameritech.net