<html><body> <DIV><FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Ron,</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial>Before I can even take the exam, i need to master the repair end first right?  I'm getting that training starting next month.  I'm looking forward to it.  </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial>Marshall</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial>ps. It sounds scarey having someone grade the tuning, but necessary I agree.  </FONT></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <BLOCKQUOTE style="PADDING-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; BORDER-LEFT: #1010ff 2px solid">-------------- Original message -------------- <BR>From: "RON MAY, RPT" <ronmay_rpt@bellsouth.net> <BR> <META content="MSHTML 6.00.2900.2802" name=GENERATOR> <STYLE>v\:* { BEHAVIOR: url(#default#VML) } o\:* { BEHAVIOR: url(#default#VML) } w\:* { BEHAVIOR: url(#default#VML) } .shape { BEHAVIOR: url(#default#VML) } </STYLE> <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:SmartTagType name="State" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"></o:SmartTagType><o:SmartTagType name="place" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"></o:SmartTagType> <STYLE> st1\:*{behavior:url(#default#ieooui) } </STYLE> <STYLE>  </STYLE> <DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2> Marshall and all other Associates.</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>If you have had any training in tuning, get in touch with several of the RPT's in your group. Have them check your tuning. Don't be afraid--they are there to help not hurt.  If they think you are anywhere ready for the tuning exam, TAKE IT. It will be the best (I think it is ) $90 bucks you have or will spend. If you flunk the test like many do you will still walk away from the test knowing all of your weak spots and know what to work on. PLEASE--Don't anyone be afraid to take the tuning exam it is a very positive and encouraging happening. All of the testers just want to help you.</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>INCOME:  I am among many that will tell you that your income will take a dramatic jump.  Why, I suspect that it is in the gaining of confidence. You will all of a sudden know that you are pretty good at what you do and you will get paid for it.</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Ron May. RPT</FONT></DIV> <BLOCKQUOTE dir=ltr style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px"> <DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial">----- Original Message ----- </DIV> <DIV style="BACKGROUND: #e4e4e4; FONT: 10pt arial; font-color: black"><B>From:</B> <A title=pianotune05@comcast.net href="mailto:pianotune05@comcast.net">pianotune05</A> </DIV> <DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>To:</B> <A title=pianotech@ptg.org href="mailto:pianotech@ptg.org">Pianotech List</A> </DIV> <DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Sent:</B> Saturday, February 11, 2006 7:53 AM</DIV> <DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Subject:</B> Re: Upgrading.....</DIV> <DIV><BR></DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial>I've heard quite a bit about upgrading.  I'm going to m first meeting on the 21st of the month, and I can hardly wait. :)  My question to you guys is this, how long should an associate wait until they become an RPT?  Perhaps there's a comfort zone factor involved with some associates, fear of taking the test etc.  I'm just guessing of course, but perhaps there's a fear a failure.  I know I personally struggle with this, but at the same time, I'm determined to become an RPT.  </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial>So the big question at hand is this for those who are complaining about associates who 've been associates for a while, what must a person do in order to prepare themselves for the PTG exam besides go to the meetings and learn?  </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial>Perhaps if the fear factor was removed for those who face it, associates might consider with open arms the availability of becoming an RPT.  In my case, I'm just excited to become an associate, but I fully intend to become an RPT ASAP, but I'm going to take my time at it however.  </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial>So the issues at hand is, helping those overcome the fear factor plus giving associates room to grow into their RPT shoes so to speak, doing this while gently prodding them along toward the RPT hall of technician fame. ;)</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial>Marshall</FONT></DIV> <BLOCKQUOTE dir=ltr style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px"> <DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial">----- Original Message ----- </DIV> <DIV style="BACKGROUND: #e4e4e4; FONT: 10pt arial; font-color: black"><B>From:</B> <A title=john@formsmapiano.com href="mailto:john@formsmapiano.com">John Formsma</A> </DIV> <DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>To:</B> <A title=pianotech@ptg.org href="mailto:pianotech@ptg.org">'Pianotech List'</A> </DIV> <DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Sent:</B> Saturday, February 11, 2006 12:06 AM</DIV> <DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Subject:</B> RE: Upgrading.....</DIV> <DIV><BR></DIV> <DIV class=Section1> <P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Arial color=navy size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: navy; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Ron,<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P> <P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Arial color=navy size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: navy; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></FONT></P> <P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Arial color=navy size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: navy; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">I was just about to send what I wrote to Dean when your post hit my inbox. You have said it so well that it totally eclipsed mine so I’m not sending it now. </SPAN></FONT><FONT face=Wingdings color=navy size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: navy; FONT-FAMILY: Wingdings">J</SPAN></FONT><FONT face=Arial color=navy size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: navy; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P> <P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Arial color=navy size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: navy; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></FONT></P> <P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Arial color=navy size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: navy; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Yes, yes – there must be a way to promote excellence. And, “Craftsman” and “Certified” are much more descriptive. I prefer either of those to “Registered.”<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P> <P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Arial color=navy size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: navy; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></FONT></P> <P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Arial color=navy size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: navy; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Isn’t it a problem that PTG comes up with the terms, but it’s we who have to do the educating? We don’t have much time for that. Is there a way PTG could educate the piano playing populace? I’m thinking, wow, that would be hard. The first step could be beginning at the university and piano teaching guilds, and hopefully it would filter down after a while. But before that, you would have to <I><SPAN style="FONT-STYLE: italic">demonstrate</SPAN></I> that PTG people are generally more skilled. (There will always be exceptions, of course.) I don’t think you can do that as it is currently set up unless you get rid of the Associate status. Wow, big situation when you start to think about it.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P> <P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Arial color=navy size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: navy; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></FONT></P> <P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Arial color=navy size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: navy; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">BTW, How many different places are you registered to vote in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:State w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Florida</st1:place></st1:State>? <g><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P> <P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Arial color=navy size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: navy; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></FONT></P> <P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Arial color=navy size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: navy; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">John Formsma<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P> <P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Arial color=navy size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: navy; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></FONT></P> <DIV> <DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"> <HR tabIndex=-1 align=center width="100%" SIZE=2> </SPAN></FONT></DIV> <P class=MsoNormal><B><FONT face=Tahoma size=2><SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma">From:</SPAN></FONT></B><FONT face=Tahoma size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"> pianotech-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org] <B><SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">On Behalf Of </SPAN></B>RON MAY, RPT<BR><B><SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Sent:</SPAN></B> Friday, February 10, 2006 10:27 PM<BR><B><SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">To:</SPAN></B> Pianotech List<BR><B><SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Subject:</SPAN></B> Re: Upgrading.....</SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P></DIV> <P class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></FONT></P> <DIV> <P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Hi People</SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P></DIV> <DIV> <P class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P></DIV> <DIV> <P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Until the day comes that the public  becomes educated,  aware and demands expertise and professional performance or heaven forbid the government becomes involved and demands licensing such as that demanded for other  trades such as plumbers and electricians, we are just lighting a fire under and empty skillet. Now that anyone can show themselves as a member of PTG and we have come up with "Registered" members, which no one has the slightest idea about instead off craftsman ratings or some other descriptive rating there is only one motivation and that is from within.. Unfortunately not very many seem to have this motivation or pride in their work and profession. Whether we are RPTs, Certified Tuner Technicians,or craftsman, getting the message out is up to we individual technicians and most of us are busy and have become very complacent about the problem. To me Certified says a whole lot more than registered. I'm "Registered" to vote in <st1:State w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Florida</st1:place></st1:State> and we all know what that means but obviously some don't know how to do it.</SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P></DIV> <DIV> <P class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P></DIV> <DIV> <P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">We as PTG just continue to shoot ourselves in the foot on this issue. Something needs to be done and it needs to become a priority.</SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P></DIV> <DIV> <P class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P></DIV> <DIV> <P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Ron May</SPAN></FONT> <o:p></o:p></P></DIV> <BLOCKQUOTE style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 4pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; MARGIN: 5pt 0in 5pt 3.75pt; BORDER-LEFT: black 1.5pt solid; PADDING-TOP: 0in; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none"> <DIV> <P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">----- Original Message ----- <o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P></DIV> <DIV style="font-color: black"> <P class=MsoNormal style="BACKGROUND: #e4e4e4"><B><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">From:</SPAN></FONT></B><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"> <A title=avery1@houston.rr.com href="mailto:avery1@houston.rr.com">Avery</A> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P></DIV> <DIV> <P class=MsoNormal><B><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">To:</SPAN></FONT></B><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"> <A title=pianotech@ptg.org href="mailto:pianotech@ptg.org">Pianotech List</A> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P></DIV> <DIV> <P class=MsoNormal><B><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Sent:</SPAN></FONT></B><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"> Friday, February 10, 2006 4:37 PM<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P></DIV> <DIV> <P class=MsoNormal><B><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Subject:</SPAN></FONT></B><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"> Re: Upgrading.....<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P></DIV> <DIV> <P class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></FONT></P></DIV> <P class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">This subject HAS been on ptg-L. For DAYS!!!!!!!!!! Weeks? :-( <BR><BR>Avery <o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P></BLOCKQUOTE></DIV></BLOCKQUOTE></BLOCKQUOTE></BLOCKQUOTE></body></html>