47th Annual Convention

and Technical Institute

Nashville, Tennessee

June 29-July 3, 2004

Hear a Musical Invitation to the Nashville Convention and Institute
(Requires MP3 Player)

Welcome!
New This Year
Different This Year, Days of the Week Are Shifted
Late-Breaking News: The "I'm Stable" Project
Convention Hotel
Room Sharing at the Convention Hotel
Registration Information
Registration Fees
Schedule of Events
Convention Details
Instructor Biographies
Tutoring
"Around The Renaissance"
Foundation and Auxiliary Events
Article by Wim Blees

Download PDF files:
Convention and Institute Registration Form
Associate Seminar Form
RPT Examinations Application Form

"I'm Stable" Project, Complete Details

Teacher Seminar Brochure
Teacher Seminar Registration Form

Dealer Seminar Brochure
Dealer Seminar Registration Form

Exhibitor Kit

Complete 2004 Convention Brochure

Convention and Institute Schedule is Shifted in relation to the days of the week:

Please note that the convention will be moved back one day

in relation to our "traditional" schedule;

the Opening Ceremony will be on Monday, June 28;

All-Day classes will be on Tuesday, June 29; and so on.

Renaissance Nashville Hotel

The 47th Annual Convention Headquarters hotel will be the Renaissance Nashville Hotel (Single/Double $109).

It will be important that you reserve your room accommodations early this year. The deadline to make your reservations is no later than June 1. Participants are encouraged to call the Renaissance at 615-255-8400 as soon as possible. It will be difficult to register for accommodations after this date when the room block is dropped.

Renaissance Nashville Hotel Web Site

Welcome!
This year’s classes provide a range of skill levels from basic to advanced and include lectures and hands-on training on a wide range of topics. Whether you’re just getting started in the piano service industry or you’ve been involved for many years, you will find the appropriate level of instruction to further your knowledge and expertise.
Below is a sampling of the classes that will be available this year at PTG’s Technical Institute in Nashville, TN. Get ready for the 2004 PTG Convention!

Stability and the 2004 Technical Institute
Pianos … they seem to be everywhere. In the three hundred years since their invention, these marvelous instruments have become the chosen vehicle of musical expression for millions of people, and, whether singing alone or blending their voices with those of other instruments, the music they produce continues to enrich our lives and speak to the needs of our spirit in every season, from times of mourning to times of dancing.
As piano technicians our task is to help these instruments speak with a clear voice, so that whether played by a beginning student or the most accomplished artist, the piano will perform at its maximum potential in mechanical function, touch, tuning, and tone. When we have done our job well, we have – in a musical sense – literally given the pianist “wings to fly.” What a wonderful calling!
The challenge we face, however, is not just bringing a particular piano to the point of its maximum potential, but doing so in such a way that it will remain there as long as possible. And thus, we come to our theme: Stability.
Stability speaks of quality, that which is lasting, enduring, and thus, valuable. No topic is more critical for our consideration. Even if the product of our labors is beautiful to the eye, responsive to the touch, and pleasant to the ear, it has little value if it does not last. “Last?” “How long?” Longer. “Done?” Longer still … we pursue excellence!
At Nashville 2004 we will focus on stability. You will find a number of classes that specifically address the topic, and it will be a part of the discussion in other classes as well. Going beyond the usual considerations in the area of tuning, stability is also an issue in the areas of manufacturing, rebuilding, servicing, regulating, and voicing – from the first line drawn by the designer down to every choice of materials, techniques, and procedures. It even has application to our business, our career, and our health.
We will not exhaust this topic at Nashville, but hopefully we will make progress. The discussions will continue. The pursuit of excellence will go on. We will reach a goal, then set one higher, and music and life will continue to grow more beautiful.
Welcome to Nashville 2004!

New This Year
Teacher & Dealer Seminars
This one-day event is scheduled for Tuesday, June 29, and will offer a series of classes for piano teachers and a separate series of classes for piano dealers and salespersons.
This event will bring together manufacturers, dealers/salespersons, technicians, and teachers at one location, providing opportunities for building relationships, sharing knowledge, and recognizing the mutual goals of our endeavors.
These events will also include the extensive piano display in the Piano Technicians Guild Exhibit Hall, and conclude with the PTG Auxiliary Scholarship Recital, featuring the college and high school winners of Tennessee’s Music Teachers National Association auditions.
All teachers, dealers, and salespersons are invited to attend. Information and special registrations forms are available by calling the PTG Home Office at (913) 432-9975 or by clicking here. (This event is intended for teachers and dealers outside of PTG only.)

Associate Seminar
Fees- $25.00 Early/$30.00 Late (Includes lunch)
You must pre-register for this class. You must complete and return the Associate Seminar registration form on page 22 of the convention book or click here to download a PDF form. You must be registered for the convention.
This all-day seminar presents a day of training for those preparing to take the PTG Technical Exam and the PTG Tuning Exam. Practical, hands-on learning is emphasized. The “Associates Luncheon” is also a part of this all-day event.

Registration Information
Complete the convention registration form and return with appropriate fees (in U.S. Dollars, please). Save by registering before May 29, 2004. Remember, you may use your VISA, MasterCard, or Discover to register. Full registration is required — daily passes are not available.
A full refund will be given with written requests received before May 29, 2004. One half of the registration fee will be refunded for written refund requests received between May 29 and June 15, 2004. No refunds will be given after June 15, 2004.

2004 Convention Fees:
Registration   (Before May 29) (After May 29)
Member:                    $349                 $415
Nonmember:            $489                 $559
Auxiliary Member:      $99                 $150
Non Auxiliary:         $149                 $200
Banquet Ticket:         $44                  $44
Auxiliary Tour:            $80                 $100

Schedule of Events
Friday, June 25
    8 a.m - 5 p.m        PTG Board Meeting
Saturday, June 26
    8 a.m. - 5 p.m       PTG Board Meeting
    3 - 6 p.m.          Registration Desk
Sunday, June 27
    8 a.m.              Chapel Service
    8 a.m. - 5 p.m.       Registration Desk Open
    8 a.m.- 11:00 a.m.   Delegate Check-in
    1 p.m. - 5 p.m          Council Meeting
    3 p.m.            Regional Caucuses
    8 p.m.            Randy Potter Reception
Monday, June 28
    8 a.m. - 5 p.m.    Registration Desk Open
    8 a.m.- 5 p.m.         Council Meeting
    9 a.m.- 5 p.m.         Exhibitor Set-up
    7:30 p.m.          Opening Session
    9 p.m.              Young Chang Reception
Tuesday, June 29
    7 a.m. - 6 p.m.        Registration Desk Open
    8 a.m.- 5 p.m.       All-Day Classes
    8 a.m.- 5 p.m.        Associate Seminar
    10 a.m.-5 p.m.        Teachers & Dealers Seminars
    8 a.m. - 4 p.m       Exhibitor Setup
    5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Exhibit Hall Grand Opening
    8 p.m.           Auxiliary Scholarship Recital
Wednesday, June 30
    7 a.m. - 6 p.m.        Registration Desk Open
    8- 9:30 a.m.    Institute Period 1
    9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.   Exhibit Hall Open
    10:30 a.m. - Noon Institute Period 2
    1:30 - 3 p.m.       Institute Period 3
    1:30 - 5 p.m.       PTG Foundation Board Meeting
    2:45 - 6 p.m.       Exhibit Hall Open
    3:30 - 5 p.m.       Institute Period 4
    5:30 p.m.          Regional Meetings
    7:30 p.m.          Steinway Concert/Reception
Thursday, July 1
    7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.   Registration Desk Open
    8 - 9:30 a.m.           Institute Period 1
    9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.   Exhibit Hall Open
    10:30 a.m. - Noon Institute Period 2
    1:30 - 3 p.m.       Institute Period 3
    2:45 - 6 p.m.       Exhibit Hall Open
    3:30 - 5 p.m.       Institute Period 4
    6:30 p.m.    Golden Hammer Banquet
    9 p.m.           Kawai Concert and Reception
Friday, July 2
    7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.    Registration Desk Open
    8 a.m. - 5 p.m.       PTG Board Meeting
    8:30 a.m.       Auxiliary Tour
    8 - 9:30 a.m.       Institute Period 1
    9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Exhibit Hall Open
    10:30 a.m. - Noon Institute Period 2
    Noon-1:30 p.m. Leadership Meeting (Chapter Officers & Committee Members)
    1:30 - 3 p.m.          Institute Period 3
    2:45 - 5 p.m.       Exhibit Hall Open
    3:30 - 5 p.m.         Institute Period 4
    8:15 p.m.          Barbershop Chorus
    9 p.m.           Yamaha Reception
Saturday, July 3
    8:30 - 10 a.m.          Institute Period 1
    10:30 a.m. - Noon Institute Period 2

Convention Details
Council & Council Check-In
PTG’s Annual Council Meeting of Chapter Delegates will be Sunday, June 27 and Monday, June 28 in the hotel. Delegates who have been pre-registered by the PTG Office may pick up their packets from 8 a.m.- 11 a.m on Sunday, June 27 before the Council session begins at 1 p.m.
Regional Meetings
Learn what’s going on in your region. Meet with your Regional Vice President to discuss organizational issues and plan future activities. Regional meetings will be at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 30.
Leadership Meeting
Time for meetings of PTG Committees and Chapter Officers has been set aside for Friday, July 2 at noon.
For the Visually Impaired
The Visually Impaired Concerns Committee has scheduled classes on Thursday, July 1, and Friday, July 2. Guides for visually impaired registrants may attend classes at no charge. Please inform the PTG Office if you will have a guide or will require assistance.
Chapel Service
Chapel Service will be held Sunday, June 27 at 8 a.m.
Barbershop Chorus
Be a part of the 26th annual performance of the PTG Barbershop Chorus under the direction of Larry Crabb, RPT. Larry mixes his performance package with traditional barbershop, special parodies, comedy, wacky high jinks and religious songs. These performances are eagerly anticipated and well-attended each year. The performance is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. Friday, July 2 before the Yamaha Reception.
Special Notes
Only Institute registrants may attend classes. Spouses and children of PTG members may register to attend classes at the member rate.
Exhibit Hall Passes
For those who are not registered for the convention, a free exhibit hall pass must be obtained at the PTG Registration Desk for entrance into the exhibit hall.
Audio & Videotaping Prohibited
Audio or Videotaping of convention functions is prohibited without express permission of the PTG Executive Director. Any taping of Institute classes must be approved by the Institute class instructor.
Refunds
A full refund will be given with written requests received before May 29, 2004. One half of the registration fee will be refunded for written refund requests received between May 29 and June 15, 2004. No refunds will be given after June 15, 2004.
Golden Hammer Banquet
Thursday, July 1, 6:30 p.m.
Don’t miss the highlight of the convention … with good food, good friends and lots of fun as PTG honors the winner of this year’s Golden Hammer Award.
Volunteers Needed for Visually Impaired
The Committee for the Concerns of Visually Impaired Technicians is looking for volunteers to aid sightless technicians who attend the 2004 PTG Technical Institute. Perhaps the two biggest obstacles for sightless technicians considering attending the convention are getting to the right room at the proper time and touring the Exhibit Hall.
If you are interested in being of assistance, we offer you this opportunity to make the 2004 Convention more enjoyable and meaningful to a colleague and make a new friend in the bargain.
Please contact Sandy Roady at sandy@ptg.org or 913-432-9975 if you are interested in helping.

Tutoring
Tuning Tutoring (Private)
There’s no better way to improve your tuning than one-on-one tutoring by a master tuner. This summer in Nashville we offer private tutoring that will benefit you no matter what your skill level. With an outstanding cast of tuning tutors, you’ll find a universe of tuning knowledge to explore. And this all takes place in a one-on-one format lasting 90 minutes. You pick the tuning subject: Aural or your choice of ETD.
Time slots are limited so you need to register early to assure your place. Pre-registration required. You may pre-register along with your convention registration. Fee: $84

Tuning Tutoring (Small Group)(New Class)
In this 90-minute class for a small group of three students, each gets hands-on experience with open discussion and guidance of seasoned tuning instructor Jim Geiger.
Class size limited to three. (Two classes: 1. Basic, 2. Intermediate/Advanced.)
Pre-registration is required. You may pre-register along with your convention registration. Fee: $25. Time slots are limited so register early!

Voicing Tutoring
In Nashville you will have the chance to register for hands-on voicing tutoring classes led by two outstanding instructors – David Barr and Craig Waldrop. There are two sessions: 1) Techniques for soft pressed hammers (Steinway, Ronsen), 2) Techniques for hard pressed hammers (most Asian pianos). The sessions will be two class periods long and will take place on successive days, allowing for post-procedure hammer stabilization. The first soft pressed hammer session will begin Wednesday morning and will be completed Thursday morning. The first session on hard pressed hammers will begin Wednesday afternoon and will be completed Thursday afternoon. Subsequent sessions will follow a similar schedule throughout the seminar. Sign up for the beginning day of the session you wish to attend.
Because these sessions are meant to be hands-on, there will be minimal lecturing on voicing theory and basic voicing preparation, such as string leveling, hammer fitting, and attention to string termination points. Registrants will be given a list of readings from past PTG material and will be expected to be familiar with the procedures and techniques mentioned. This advance preparation by the attendees will allow for less talk and more hammer manipulation. Class size is limited to six.
Pre-registration is required. You may pre-register along with your convention registration. Fee: $84. Time slots are limited so register early!

Foundation and Auxiliary Events
Sold to the Highest Bidder!
We're back! The Piano Technicians Guild Foundation will once again hold our annual auction during the convention. You never know what we'll have, but items previously on the auction block have ranged from piano music boxes and other decorative items to top-notch tools, advertising space, books, software, and piano-related wearables.
Stop by the Foundation booth - learn about the Foundation and preview some of our auction goodies that you just can't live without. We'll also gladly accept cash donations on the spot! Remember, the Foundation is promoting and preserving your profession.

Auxiliary Schedule
Monday, June 28
    7:30 p.m.    PTG Opening Session
    9:00 p.m.    Young Chang Reception
Tuesday, June 29
    8:00 a.m.    Auxiliary Board Meeting
    12:30 p.m.    Auxiliary Friendship Luncheon
    8:00 p.m.    Auxiliary Scholarship Recital
Wednesday, June 30
    8:15 a.m.    PTGA Breakfast/Opening Assembly
    10:00 a.m.    Council Meeting
    7:30 p.m.    Steinway Concert and Reception
Thursday, July 1
    8:00 a.m.    Auxiliary Board Meeting
    6:30 p.m.    Golden Hammer Banquet
    9:00 p.m.    Kawai Concert and Reception
Friday, July 2
    8:30 a.m.    Auxiliary Tour
    8:15 p.m.    Barbershop Chorus
    9:00 p.m.    Yamaha Reception

Auxiliary Tour
Friday, July 2
We will visit the Old Opry Museum and then ride down the river on a steam paddle boat. We lunch on the boat to a great feast and when we get off, we will be taken to the Old Opry Hotel and tour there.
They tell me they have a great gift shop there. Please read my article in the December 2003 issue of the Piano Technicians Journal for further details.
Y’all come, you hear?

Article by Wim Blees

The 2004 Piano Technicians Guild Annual Convention and Technical Institute will be June 29 – July 3, in Nashville, Tennessee.  If you have never attended a PTG Convention, this is an event you don't want to miss. In just 4 and a half days, you will have the opportunity to take classes on just about any topic on piano technology you have ever wondered about.

Is it worth it? Well, that depends on whether or not you want to earn more money. Registration will be about $400. The hotel rooms go for about $110 per night. And, of course, you'll miss a week of work. So is it worth about $1500 to attend the convention?

Well, let's put it this way. What if you could learn a better way to rebush a set of keys, in just 2 hours instead of 5? If you rebushed 5 sets a year, you would save 15 hours a year. If you tuned 15 extra pianos in that time, at $75 per tuning, that's $1125. Oh, you don't know how to bush a set of keys? Why not learn how, and make about $400 per set? What if you could learn to save $2,000 on your taxes? That could pay for the convention right there. What if you could learn to tune with less stress? How much is that worth to you? What if you could learn a quicker way to regulate an action? What if you could learn a regulation you had never considered, one you could recommend to your customers, and earn extra money? Would that be worth spending $1500 on? The list is endless.

Let's put it another way. Your phone costs you about $1500 per year. Would you give it up, because it costs that much? Of course not. That's because your phone makes you money. Well, attending the convention is the same thing. It will make you money. There are probably many excuses why you don't want to go, or think you can't afford to go. But there should be only one reason you should go, and that is to make more money. It's as simple as that. If you go to the convention so your customers will think you'll be a better piano tuner/technician, then you're going for the wrong reason. You should go for a totally selfish reason. You should go to the convention so that YOU will know you're a better piano tuner. And when you know you're a better piano tuner, you'll feel better about your self, and you be more confident about your work. And that confidence will translate into making more money. That's all there is to it.

In addition to all the technical classes, there is the exhibit hall. Here you can meet the technical representatives of all the major piano manufactures, and be able to play and see all their pianos. You'll be able to buy tools, parts, and supplies directly from all of the suppliers. In addition to the exhibit hall, you'll be able to talk shop in the hallways, coffee shops and restaurants, to hundreds of technicians from all over the US and Canada, and a lot of foreign countries. And in the evening, you'll get a chance to listen to some fantastic piano playing, and get fat at all the receptions. And last, but not least, you'll be able to dance the night away at the Yamaha party.

The PTG Convention is THE technical and social event of the year for piano tuners. If you value your occupation, if you want to learn more, and above all, if you want to earn more money, then mark your calendar, and make arrangements to attend the 2004 PTG Convention in Nashville June 29 – July 3rd. You won't regret it.