<HTML>In a message dated 6/21/02 4:18:38 AM Central Daylight Time, cadunn@vt2000.com writes: <BLOCKQUOTE TYPE=CITE style="BORDER-LEFT: #0000ff 2px solid; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px">Hi-- I've waited a bit on this thread, but no one has asked and everyone seems to know about them (except me :) What are the Steinway Seminars, and do you have to be a dealer? What do they cover? How much do they cost? Where does one stay? etc. Thanks anyone! Cheers, Clair </BLOCKQUOTE> Clair. There are 4 one week programs Steinway puts on.    1 Comprehensive Piano Service, where a technician works on a piano in a private setting, and, with a factory technician, get training on complete regulation, hammer filing, lacquering techniques, piano prep, time management, dampers, pedals and trapwork, and tuning and voicing techniques.  The session also includes a factory tour, where subjects covered are wood selection, preparation and assembly, construction of actions, hammers, cases, soundboard and finishes, and assembly of components including plate fitting, bellying and stringing. 2. Tuning and Tone production, which are divided into four topics. Action regulation, building power, tuning, and precision voicing. 3. Damper installation, where each participant is given a chance to build a damper system from the ground up. Students receive a grand piano with no damper system. Parts are distributed, assembled, installed and regulated, using factory techniques. 4. Concert preparation which is offered after completed the other three. It is basically one on one instruction using all the information from the previous three programs. There is a fifth program on servicing the Steinway and Boston finishes. The cost is $850 for the week, which includes your hotel room. We're staying at the Ramada Inn by Shea Stadium. Meals and transportation are on your own. You need to be sponsored by a dealer or a university that has a lot of Steinways. (preferably both). They do invite private techs, but the waiting list is long. I understand that even if you work for a university or a dealer, the waiting time can be long. I guess I was lucky to get in so soon. Wim </HTML>