<HTML>In a message dated 3/25/01 4:43:58 PM Central Standard Time, tito@PhilBondi.com (Phil Bondi) writes: <BLOCKQUOTE TYPE=CITE style="BORDER-LEFT: #0000ff 2px solid; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px">David...you're kinda wrong..and hopefully, _I_ will prove you wrong this Summer when I take the Tuning Exam in Reno.</BLOCKQUOTE> Phil, I never thought I'd see the day when I would actually *agree* with something David I. says but this time I do.  But you're right too, there are always exceptions to the rule and you are definitely one of them.   You've gone about things in the right way, however.  Most people who start out with an ETD cling to it so tightly, they can just never really learn to tune aurally.  It's just too much like letting a kid use a calculator before he(she) thoroughly learns the addition and multiplication tables.  I've also seen that you have obtained your information and advice from multiple sources rather than again clinging to what you first learned and going no further.   That's what PTG is all about.  You need that varied input because you will allways find contradictory statements and opinions and you will need to sort out what the truth is according to the circumstances. I'm sure you'll do well.  If you manage to pass with all scores above 90, the best thing you can do for yourself will be to then volunteer as an Examiner, even if you don't want to become certified.  You'll really be on top of things when you get to that point.  Even if you pass at under that level, you can still volunteer at future Exams to be one of the other RPT's that is present.  You learn a lot.  Even as an Associate who is preparing to take the Exam, you can attend the "Master" or Reference Tuning set up that occurs prior to the opening of the PTG Annual Convention.  It is a very worthwhile way to spend your time.  You only need to inquire with the Examiner in charge at that event. Bill Bremmer RPT Madison, Wisconsin</HTML>