Frequently Asked Questions About PTG
General Questions
See also FAQ for PTG members
1. What is an “RPT”? A Registered Piano Technician (RPT) has passed a series of rigorous examinations on the maintenance, repair, and tuning of pianos. Only RPTs are authorized by The Piano Technicians Guild to display the logo containing the words “Registered Piano Technician”.
2. What is an Associate Member? An Associate is a member who has not passed the RPT examinations. Associates may be studying piano technology and working toward RPT status, or may be piano retailers, rebuilders, refinishers or other specialists.
3. Where does my dues money go? As a nonprofit professional association our goal is to return most or all of the funds collected, back to the membership through benefits and services. The monthly technical publication (Piano Technicians Journal), business aids, marketing materials, advertising, and educational programs are a few of the ways we accomplish this task.
4. Can I advertise that I am a PTG member? Yes, PTG strongly encourages members to advertise their affiliation. Guidelines on the proper way to go about advertising your membership will be sent to you in your membership packet or can be requested by contacting the Home Office at 913-432-9975.
5. Will the PTG train me? PTG has, as one of its core components, opportunities for continuing education. It must be emphasized that the Piano Technicians Guild does not have the resources to offer complete schooling in the field of piano technology. Unless fortunate enough to have extended instruction from a private tutor, those entering the trade need to enroll in a good residence-school course or a comprehensive correspondence course in piano technology to gain basic training. PTG can and does offer opportunities to expand one's knowledge base and develop competency in specialized areas of piano technology.
6. Do I have to attend Chapter meetings? While not required, participation in chapter meetings is vital to getting the most out of your membership in PTG. Chapter meetings are the foundation to advancing your career through networking and education.
7. What happens at a typical chapter meeting? Each chapter develops its own collective personality from the membership. Therefore, a "typical" chapter meeting varies widely depending on the technicians involved. A technical presentation usually accompanies any chapter business that needs to be discussed. Technical presentations can range from basic tuning principles and techniques to installing a new soundboard. This depends on the expertise of the members of that particular chapter. Chapters are encouraged to bring in technical advisers from the various manufacturers, dealerships, and parts suppliers.
8. When, where and what time are the meetings held? Times and Places for chapter meetings are set by the individual chapter and are intended to best serve the interests and preferences of the chapter members. Contact a chapter officer or visit the chapter web pages through www.ptg.org in the “About Us” section for more information on your local chapter.
9. Can an Associate Member hold a chapter office? Chapters may but are not required, to grant their Associate Members the privileges of voting on chapter matters or serving in chapter office or on committees, within certain limits Associate Members may hold chapter office, excluding those of president or vice president. They may serve on or chair chapter committees, with the exception of examination or nominating committees. (For more information you should refer to your chapter bylaws and PTG Bylaws, Article VIII Section E4.)
10. Will I be pressured to join? There is never pressure to join PTG. Membership in PTG is designed and intended to benefit the individual technician. The opportunities presented to you are there to help further your career and abilities as a piano technician. Hopefully, you will see the benefit of joining the organization after experiencing everything from the camaraderie of the members to the possibilities for career advancement by pursuing your RPT status.
11. When can an Associate Member take the exams? Candidates may apply for the RPT exams at any time, but they must pass the written exam prior to attempting either the technical or the tuning exam.
12. Are there study materials available for the exams? Yes, both Tuning and Technical Exam Source books and other materials are available at https://www.ptg.org/store. In addition, many chapters and the PTG hold exam prep classes for Associates.
13. What is the cost of the exams? Currently the written exam fee is free; the tuning and technical exams are $90 each. After January 1, 2009, the technical and tuning exams will cost $180 each. Exams scheduled before January 1, 2009 and completed by March 1, 2009 will be accepted at the lower rate.
14. Is the PTG regulated by the state or federal government? The field of Piano technology is an unregulated trade. Therefore the Piano Technicians Guild has set its own standards of quality for piano technicians. PTG is not a union but does maintain compliance with all state and federal regulations required of a non-profit professional association.
15. Does the PTG set prices for piano tuning and other technical work? No, PTG adheres to our antitrust guidelines and does not set prices for piano tuning or other technical work.
16. How do I join PTG? You may apply online by going to www.ptg.org and clicking on “About Us” then selecting “How to Join.” If you prefer to have a membership information packet mailed to you, you may fill out the form at the bottom of the “How to Join” page or simply contact the Home Office by sending an email
or calling 913-432-9975.
17. Can my membership application be rejected for any reason? Applications may be rejected for failing to meet criteria. Please refer to the “How to Join” section of www.ptg.org for more information.
18. Does PTG have a website? Yes, our website is www.ptg.org; where you will find a wealth of information about PTG, member benefits, research tools, listserv groups, piano related links, literature and much more.
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