On 01/30/2011 01:14 AM, Susan Kline wrote: <snip> >> 3) if both can produce very good tunings, then in light of the >> highest tuning importance being a) stability, then b) unisons, then >> c) octaves, then d) temperament... it would seem that it should be an >> individual's choice as to whether one could or should be an Aural vs >> ETD tuner, since stability & unisons are determined by the >> Technician's competence, rather than an argument of the ETD vs the >> 4:2 stretch. > Of course it's an individual's choice, assuming they can produce good > results > DAMN RIGHT - and all I want is respect for me and for all the other ETD users out there !!!!! >> >> 4) if one could pass the RPT Tuning test w/ an ETD (and at least >> understand the concepts & why's of beats & 4:2's etc), then why >> doesn't the PTG allow a 100% ETD test? > You can ask the people who set up the tests. But, like I said above, > the power to use an ETD at 100% test level on a good grand in a test > situation may not guarantee adequate use of one in less than ideal > conditions. Even so, it's up to the Guild. Perhaps the aural tuning > part is a way to test the level of dedication to the profession? That > someone is willing to put in the training time to be competent in > traditional tuning? You can ask them. Perhaps there is still some > feeling that someone should be able to manage a simple tuning even if > the batteries happen to be low? Susan, sorry to be so blunt - but - get your head out of your ass and accept that fact that ETD's are here to stay and get better and better and better. Again, I used Cybertuner on a Steinway GRAND - Model A - isn't that a good enough test. AND - the - fact - that - the - customer - said - that - it's - been - best - sounding - tuning - EVER !!!!!!! >> >> 5) if both RPT's & Associates both pay the same dues, when why is one >> group "Taxed without Representation"? > I thought about this a little back when I was an Associate. I assume > it's to try to get them to undergo the ordeal of the testing. It > doesn't seem to be the most effective motivation so far. >> >> 6) if new tools become available which can equal or surpass "the >> test", then why are we completing the test the old way? (I'm sure as >> heck not going back to cursive writing... typing is far superior for me.) > I am getting very tired of hearing all about the test .... isn't your > universe any larger than the PTG testing procedures? I'm tired of knocking the test too, BUT, damn it, when are they going to recognize that technology is here - and - to - stay !!! AND IT'S ONLY GOING TO GET BETTER AND BETTER - and I'm going to be so bold to say that someday it will PASS aural tuning. >> >> 7) if we are going to be considered "professionals" like Issac Stein >> mentioned in his recent PTJ editorial... a) why are RPT's not being >> re-tested on a regular basis... like the Professional Engineers & >> their licenses (every 2-4 years, depending on the State) he refers >> to? And b) why no "continuing education requirements" such as Natl >> or Regional PTG conventions or minimum number of Chapter Technicals >> attended for an RPT to maintain their "status"? Teachers & Engineers >> have these requirements... as well as other "professions". > Do you really want to be more like a plumber? For me, one great > advantage of piano technology is its unlicensed unregulated nature, > which allows each person to decide their own way of doing business. Do > you want to throw that away, and have everyone following onerous rules > and having to undergo expensive retesting and continuing education as > a requirement before they can work? YES, YES, YES, just like older "fossil" drivers, really need a drivers test to keep their driver's license. Even, Susan, you can agree with this, that some older drivers really need to take the drivers test again to keep their license. >> >> 8) if today's RPT Tuning tests are indeed what anyone must pass to >> become an RPT... then how is that status impacted by Jim Coleman Sr's >> statement in the Tuning Examination Source Book foreward (reprint >> 2002) "We set our scoring and tolerance system so that 80 percent of >> our present members (Craftsman) would pass at a grade of 80 >> percent"... implying that 20% of those remaining grandfathered RPT's >> would fail today's test... > A little mercy, perhaps? And the realization that if the testing and > continuous education requirements become difficult and annoying, > members will leave in droves. Tuners are independent cusses, and I > like it that way. Absolutely and I am one independent cuss - and - i - chose - Cybtertuner - so - how - about - some - respect ! >> >> So Susan, other than trying to understand your "ETD's are limited" >> comment... > Just PUT IT BACK IN CONTEXT, please. People seem to have taken one > look at that, and freaked right out. ETD's are limited by the > competence of the people using them. Do you find that so impossible to > agree with? Again, in my case, I use Cybteruner, my mentor showed me how to use and, on my own piano - an antique upright player - practiced, learned, practiced, learned, practiced, etc. as well as taking the class taught by the creator, Dean, on the proper use of Cybertuner. >> I also wanted to put on paper the other sub-issues I think I hear... >> and that should be addressed if this PTG organization is to grow & >> improve. Continuous Process Improvement. Similar to the piano >> itself... a Technician is either improving themselves, or going >> downhill. "What are you doing for your own improvement, lately?" > If you try to standardize this ongoing improvement, and then force > people to conform, you may find the PTG ends up shrinking instead of > growing. At its best, good tuning is an art form, and doesn't submit > to regimentation very well. On the other hand, as my suspicion, the more you force an outdated form of tuning like aural tuning, Associate members are going to stay Associates. -- 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 - 11 years
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