As a relatively new (and student) technician, my thoughts on this subject may not merit as much attention as those with more experience who have contributed. Still, I think it’s important to show that not all associates see the aurally correct temperament requirement as a necessary “evil” to becoming an RPT. It may seem easy for those who have long since passed the exam to belabor its benefits, but I am really very happy that the PTG continues to uphold the tradition. I’m as tired as anyone of reading the comparisons of a piano technician to a surgeon or car mechanic, but let’s not forget they all have something in common: each is a professional who provides a service to the community. They market themselves as having enough knowledge, training, and experience to perform certain tasks with certain fundamental and facile abilities that the public can be reasonably well assured that the job will be done correctly. I know that before my doctor could diagnose a torn ACL, she was probably able to name all the bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Before that, I suspect that she learned the concept of the scientific method: these are fundamental to the study of medicine. The car mechanic can hook my car up to a machine that tells him the timing is off, and my understanding is that today’s computers will even tell him what parts need to be adjusted to compensate for this. When he’s done making these adjustments, though, I know he takes the car for a test drive to make sure everything feels right and that the car can perform certain function as it was designed. If Pythagoras hadn’t discovered that a bunch of fifths didn’t quite equal up to several octaves we might not have a job; pretty much anyone can tune a bunch of pure intervals (though, admittedly, stability would still be a challenge for most). Maybe I’m way off, but I see setting a solid temperament as about the most fundamental task a piano tuner can perform. Understanding the interval relationships and how to listen and test for the subtle differences is – in my opinion – the core of what we do. There is a real misunderstanding in all of this debate, that the aural temperament requirement of the PTG exam is in some way the organization’s public condemnation of the ETD. I think that today’s ETD’s are fine instruments; just like today’s medical technology and car diagnostics are wonderful tools. But there is a lot to be said about having a solid foundation in one’s profession. That’s all. Thanks to any who read this. Alex Aspiring RPT On Apr 4, 2009, at 8:55 AM, Duaine & Laura Hechler wrote: > Dave Foster wrote: > > <snip> >> But I disagree that a technician NEEDS to know how to tune aurally >> to be considered a Piano Technician. > AMEN, BROTHER >> So people just aren’t born with the natural ability to hear certain >> things. That shouldn’t detour them from being a well-respected >> great Piano Technician. > AMEN, BROTHER > > <snip> >> That’s my opinion… don’t shoot the messenger. >> >> Dave Foster > I'm going to AMEN the messenger to "infinity and beyond". > > It's too bad that other list members - and - the PTG can't share > your (and my) feelings ! > -- > Duaine Hechler > Piano, Player Piano, Pump Organ > Tuning, Servicing & Rebuilding > Reed Organ Society Member > Florissant, MO 63034 > (314) 838-5587 > dahechler at att.net > www.hechlerpianoandorgan.com > -- > Home & Business user of Linux - 10 years -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: <http://ptg.org/pipermail/pianotech_ptg.org/attachments/20090404/1bbc9e8b/attachment-0001.html>
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