Rebuilders Showcase • NEW!
(A/R) Acoustics of the Piano – Dr. Anders Askenfelt,
Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
Basic facts about  the acoustics of the piano will be
presented, including hammer-string interaction, hammer
properties, shank bending, influence of voicing,  multiple
stringing, and  inharmonicity. Some aspects on the
pianists’ touch will be discussed. 

(A/R) Today’s Technology – Yesterday’s Piano, Del
Fandrich, RPT, Puget Sound, WA Chapter Del will
present an overview of how the piano works, with an
emphasis on the soundboard system & scaling, followed
by a detailed presentation on how to adapt new design
technology to older pianos during the rebuilding process.

(E/R) High-Speed Video Lab - Stephen Birkett,
University of Waterloo A video analysis of the piano and its
function. Stephen will have a high-speed digital camera in
class to shoot live images of the piano in use. Parameters and
configuration can be modified and the results viewed
immediately through high-speed videography. Stephen will
also discuss his latest piano research at the University of
Waterloo. Additional high-speed imaging will also be presented
in collaboration with other classes at the institute (details will
be announced in class.

(A) Design and Function of the Overs Grand Piano
– Ron Overs, Australia
The Overs grand piano action is a contemporary grand action
with reduced friction and wear throughout its entire leverage
system, with improved soft playing control, repetition and
regulation stability. The Overs I-rib sound board is a fully rib
crowned and supported design which yields higher mid-area
stiffness to mass. Discussion will include these design
principles as well as hardening capo bars and string
terminations.

(A/R) Unique Tools & Technology – Shawn Hoar,
Connecticut Chapter Shawn shares his unique one of
a kind tools and technology for soundboard, pinblock,
bridge cap replacement, and takes the class on a pictorial
tour of his state-of-the-art restoration facility, showroom
& climate control piano warehouse. warehouse.

(A/R) Soundboards, From Conception to the
Fireplace, Ron Nossaman, RPT, Wichita, KS Chapter
An exploration of soundboard design philosophies, and
how they relate to the reality we see in the field and
rebuilding shop.

(A/R) Restoration: The Unseen Techniques, Chris
Robinson, RPT and Chris Haberbosch, RPT,
Connecticut Chapter Pinblock, soundboard or action,
this class presents techniques not usually discussed in
standard PTG classes, that distinguish the work of these
New England rebuilders. Full “lock- in” of pinblock, “pre-
loading” of soundboard and case, and “tone finding” for
action and hammers are revealed.

(A/R) Steinway & Sons Model C, #59483, David
Hughes, Baltimore, MD Chapter David highlights of
the restoration of this 1886 instrument, along with his
methods of soundboard/rib crowning, panel
diaphragmizing, and setting downbearing.  Insights on
fabricating master bridge patterns and damper system
modifications add to the value of this fast-paced
presentation.  This class is loaded with shop fixtures and
concise demonstrations.

(A/R) Comprehensive Action Rebuilding, Jude
Reveley, RPT, Boston, MA Chapter Jude gives an
overall view of the complete action restoration process-
from the evaluation of the job in the customer’s home, to
the delete repairing, rebuilding or replacing parts in the
shop.  Numerous tools, jigs, techniques and action
rebuilding concepts are discussed and demonstrated.

(A/R) Soundboard Replacement by Design, Dale
Erwin, RPT, Modesto, CA Chapter Beginning with a
focus on soundboard design, Dale discusses the many
aspects of the Custom Restoration.  Topics covered are
types of spruce soundboard panels and rib stock /design,
custom made pinblocks, bridge pins, aged maple bridge
caps, down bearing, stringing techniques and more. 
Whether it be a handcrafted and designed
soundboard or a custom built and balanced action, this
type of in depth restoration produces a piano that it truly
value added.

(A/R) Building Laminated Radiused Soundboard Ribs,
Terry Farrell, Southwest, FL Chapter Detailed
steps for a method of building laminated soundboard ribs
of various radii will be presented. A live demonstration of
laminate glue-up and clamping procedures will be
featured. An overview of rib function and other
construction methods will also be covered. A piano with a
soundboard built with laminated ribs will be displayed.

(A/R) Custom Restoration: The Difference, Point by
Point – David Andersen, Los Angeles, CA Chapter
The labor and craft “gap” between commercial and custom
rebuilding is big, and so is the price difference. A discussion of
the steps and protocols of each area of David's piano in detail,
who the “custom restoration’ customer is, and how to
sell this work.

Introductory Topics In Piano Technology • NEW!
(E) Where are Those Beats – Ward Guthrie, RPT,
Montana Chapter After your temperament is completed, how
can you improve it?  This class emphasizes aural skills and
examines common temperament proofs.  Where do beats come
from?  How do you use them?  What are coincident partials? 
Why do proofs work?  Ward will show you a system to improve
an existing temperament.
(E) Vertical Action Regulation – Dave Campbell, RPT &
Mark Wisner, RPT, Pearl River Piano This fast-paced class
covers the sequence, tools, and techniques necessary to quickly
and accurately regulate the vertical piano
(E/S) Efficient Hammer Shaping – Ben McKlveen, RPT,
Cincinnati, OH Chapter This class covers the reasons for
shaping (and reshaping) hammers with demonstrations of
techniques and materials to get the best results. Skill Session: 
hammer shaping.
(E/S) Action Centers: The Secret to Consistent Touch –
Don Mannino, RPT, Kawai This class is in two parts within
the one class session.  The first focuses on conceptualizing
action center operation and service, and the second
demonstrates an efficient and highly accurate method for
recentering using sized broaches.  The discussion includes
evaluating the amount of friction needed for any given action
part, the effects of pinning on touch and tone, and dealing with
the various types of bushing cloths encountered.  Skill Session:
center pin repinning.
(A) Fundamentals of Grand Piano Regulation – Joe
Swenson, Geneva, International  Using one-octave action
models for hands-on instruction, grand regulation is approached
from square one. All regulation steps are thoroughly described
and demonstrated – beginning with descriptions of the parts
involved, and the tools used. Students delete perform each step
using the action models. Tools are provided.  

Tuning (Single Sessions) 
(E) Tuning with TuneLab – Robert Scott, Real-Time
Specialties Using the TuneLab, Robert will discuss the
following procedures:  measuring inharmonicity of piano strings;
adjusting the tuning curve; selecting notes and partials,
including Auto Note Switching; tuning by means of the Phase
Display and Spectrum Display; saving tuning files, non-standard
pitches; calibration; and applying historical temperaments.     
           
(E) Temperament Troubleshooting – Kathy Smith, RPT,
Los Angeles, CA Chapter  You’ve  tuned the temperament
aurally and think it has some mistakes in it. What next? 
Consult a visual device?  Start over again?  “Troubleshoot it!”
Kathy presents and demonstrates techniques to find and fix
errors aurally–and allows for hands-on participation.

(I) Selling the “Other” Temperaments – Ed Foote, RPT,
Nashville, TN Chapter A presentation of the “other”
temperament’s values, both musical and economic.  The class
traces the various temperaments of the piano’s evolution, and
demonstrates how they can be used for economic gain today. 
Direct comparisons between an equal and well-tempered piano
are heard.

(E) Turning an OK Tuning into a Great Tuning – Kent
Swafford, RPT, Kansas City, MO Chapter Whether you're a
beginner student of piano tuning, or in final preparation for
taking the RPT tuning exam, or developing concert tuning skills,
this class helps you learn the refinement techniques necessary
for the finest quality tunings. 

(A) A Tuning Concert with Bill Bremmer– Bill Bremmer,
RPT, Madison, WI  A presentation of innovative temperament
and octave tuning techniques. Bill demonstrates how a slightly
unequal temperament can sound smooth, and even-tempered
octaves can sound clean and pure. Learn how to create a
clearer, more musical sound, from the piano, which can
enhance all types of music.

(E) Tuning with the Verituner – Dave Carpenter, RPT,
Veritune, Inc.  See close up how to take advantage of the
unique tuning features of both the Verituner 100 and the new
Verituner Pocket.  Dave demonstrates how to perform pitch
raises, fine-tuning, setting standard pitch, temperament,
custom stretches styles, and saving tunings.  Learn the best
practices for using the Verituner’s exclusive inharmonicity
measuring technology to give the best tuning on any piano
with the fewest steps. 

(B) If I Had a Hammer – Jack Stebbins, RPT, Western
Massachusetts Chapter For good, stable tunings hammer
technique is the unsung hero.  A solid technique delivers more
stable tunings more quickly.  Come and find out how to improve
stability and speed.

(E) Introduction to Advanced Reyburn CyberTuner –
Dean Reyburn, RPT & Carl Lieberman, RPT, Reyburn
Piano Service First covering an introduction to basic RCT use,
this class quickly moves to intermediate and advanced
techniques: How to use RCT’s improved analysis of a piano’s
inharmonicity, creating smoother transitions at the breaks and
better fine tunings; quick and accurate pitch raises; the
convergence of our ear’s aural preferences with a machine’s
digital decision making.

(E) Customized Tunings with Aural / SAT III Method –
Al and Paul Sanderson, Inventronics Inc. The SAT III has
capabilities that make it easier than ever to customize your
tunings to fit individual pianos.  Learn how to use the Double-
Octave Beat (DOB) control to adjust your tuning where the
piano scale and/or partials change.  Also incorporated into this
class is Virgil Smith’s discovery of unison de-tuning.  Learn an
easier way of strip muting to speed up your tuning and
overcome this subtle but real phenomenon in your tuning
practice.

Service (Single Sessions)
(I) When Bad Things Happen to Good Pianos – Eric
Schandall, RPT & Kent Webb, Steinway & Sons  Pianos
span a wide range of styles and conditions, and the problems
technicians address reflect that diversity.  It is often true that
diagnosis is ninety percent of the cure.  Rare problems can
waste valuable time as the causes are diagnosed. In this class
Eric and Kent explore the evaluation and the solutions for
problems and demonstrate the procedures and tools required
to properly perform these repairs. 
  
(I) PitchLock String Couplers – A Smart Repair Tool –
Scott Jones,  PitchLock PitchLock String Couplers are now
3 years old and used by hundreds of piano technicians
worldwide.  They offer a “quick fix” when servicing noisy v-bar
duplex scales and mismatched bass strings.  See the New
Product Package.  Hear the results. 

(E) Caring for the Legendary Mason & Hamlin – Jamie
Marks, RPT & Bruce Clark, Mason & Hamlin No matter how
outstanding, even a legend needs to be regulated, voiced and
maintained. Learn the appropriate factory procedures to keep
a Mason & Hamlin grand piano playing its best. 

Piano History (Single Sessions) 
(E) European and American Piano Makers, Past and
Present – Ulrich Sauter, Sauter Pianos A history of
European and American piano makers and manufacturers: their
ideas and philosophies. A presentation of the different "schools"
of piano making: Southern German, British, Viennese, French
and American.  All of them had very different concepts of how a
piano should be in terms of sound, touch and design. What
happened to those different "schools", did they all disappear or
can we find still some traces of them in today’s pianos? What
has the French Revolution and other the social movements of
the 18th and 19th century to do with pianos? You will see:
quite a lot! 

(E) The Early Steinway Grand (1859-1878) History &
Design – Bill Shull, RPT, Pomona Valley, CA Chapter
Bill discusses the extraordinary history and design progress of
the first Steinway grands, which preceded modern Steinways.
The student is better able to recognize and evaluate the
unusual Steinways with jointed rims, unusual hardware, and
exquisite cabinets.  

Design (See also Rebuilders Showcase)
(Single Sessions) 
(I) Longitudinal Mode in Bass Strings – David Sanderson
& Dr. Al Sanderson, RPT, Boston, MA Chapter Longitudinal
mode is real and it is annoying. The class will be introduced to a
CD recording, which enables longitudinal mode identification in
any piano.  Longitudinal mode problems can be fixed and David
and Al show you how they do it, complete with before and after
recordings.

(E) Piano Hammer Design & Construction – Ray Negron,
Hudson-Adirondack, NY Chapter Ray will discuss hammer
design and show how to measure boring angles from existing
hammers.  One of Ronsen Piano Hammer Company’s piano
presses will be in class, and several volunteers will be chosen to
press a set of hammers.

(B) The History of the Piano Hammer – Norbert Abel &
Frank Abel, Helmut Abel, GMBH Frank and Norbert show the
development of piano hammers and hammer felt through the
last 300 years.  Get practical information on how the Abel
Hammer Company is making good copies of old hammer
samples whether they are 10 or 150 years old.  Don’t miss the
REM magnifications of hammer felt from different ages and felt
manufacturers.

Rebuilding (See also Rebuilders Showcase)
(Single Sessions)
(I) Agraffes- Restoration, Repair, and Replacement:
Theory and Practice.– Paul Revenko-Jones, RPT Paul
includes both the theory and practice in this class detailing the
restoration, repair and replacement of agraffes.

(E) The Action Starts Here: Grand Keyframe Work –
David Vanderlip, RPT, Orange County, CA Chapter
No action rebuilding is complete unless you restore the keys and
keyframe.  Many of the basics are often overlooked or are not
considered important. This class shows an approach to getting
the keys and keyframe ready for a complete action restoration:
polishing pins and capstans, rebushing keys, refinishing sharps,
and installing new backchecks.

(I) Upright Action Parts Replacement – Wally Brooks,
Brooks, Ltd. The availability and practicality of replacing action
parts in uprights are discussed as Wally covers the installation
of new whippens, butts, dampers and levers, and hammers on
a full size Steinway. 

(I) Prelude to Grand Hammer Replacement – Richard
Davenport, RPT, Los Angeles, CA Chapter
You’ve decided to take the next step and learn grand hammer
replacement. This class deals with all important details. Topics
include hammer selection, boring, shaping, pre-voicing,
hanging techniques, jigs and fixtures. We’ll demonstrate
burning and traveling shanks. Come participate in this
challenging endeavor. Remember, knowledge is power! Make
an accurate estimate the first time.

Player Systems (Single Sessions)
(E) Hands-On Lab for PianoDisc Maintenance –
Mark Burgett & Michael Zarate, RPT, PianoDisc
A review of the components that make up the PianoDisc
system and how it operates. Learn the skills required for
calibration and adjustments of the PianoDisc and Opus 7
systems. Workstations are set up for hands-on training.
Preregistration is required. Limit 14.

(I) Yamaha Disklavier Mark IV Service – Bill
Brandom, RPT & Fredy Atcheson, Yamaha Music
An overview of the features and functions found in the
new Yamaha Mark IV Disklavier piano.  Learn how to
perform pedal adjustments, pedal, key and sensor
calibration, along with troubleshooting the Mark IV
system.

(E) Bosendorfer Ceus System - Ferdinand Brau,
Bosendorfer An introduction to and demonstration of
the new Bosendorfer Ceus Player Piano System.

Voicing and Concert Work (Single Sessions)
(I/A) A Master Class in Voicing - Don Mannino, RPT,
& Terry Otake, Kawai This all-day program provides an
opportunity for hands-on learning of voicing techniques. 
Participants are selected from the audience to try actual
voicing techniques in front of the class.  After an
introductory discussion of Kawai hammer construction
and voicing techniques, the class is guided through the
process of building the tone in selected new (unvoiced)
hammers in a Kawai grand piano.  Techniques to be
demonstrated and practiced by participants include
creating the widest possible tone range from the piano,
greater power,maximum sustain, plus gain clarity and
brightness in the tone.   
 
(I) Concert Prep Yourself – Michael Miccio, RPT,
New York City Chapter A preparation for the challenge
of concert and recording work. Included in this class are
examples of difficult, real situations with both technical
and practical solutions for many issues.

(I) Voicing – Inspiring Tone – Nevin Essex, RPT,
Cincinnati, OH Chapter A carefully planned process, for
bringing the inspirational tone out of any grand piano
highlights this class, including discussion and
demonstration of string leveling, hammer fitting, needling
and developing a discriminating ear.   

(A) Voicing and Concert Prep / Bosendorfer –
Ferdinand Brau, Bosendorfer A practical, hands-on
class with focus on voicing and concert prep of a
Bosendorfer grand piano.

Business Classes • MORE CHOICES!
(E) Financial Planning – Current Trends and
Strategies – Tony Novak, -  Sort through today’s maze
of financial options to identify the winning strategies, the
tools to use in the new financial future, the tricksters,
and those that will always be “too good to be true” with
an independent accountant who has addressed more
than 40,000 consumer questions over more than two
decades. 

(E) Health Care Options for Small Businesses, Tony
Novak - Managing small business health benefits
becomes more difficult each year. Traditional health plans
have become less attractive to small businesses, so this
seminar focuses on strategies to get the most from
alternate health plans including consumer-driven health
plans, health savings accounts, health reimbursement
accounts, self-insurance and PPO discount plans. 
  
(I) Evaluation from Micro to Macro – Evelyn Smith,
RPT, Central North Carolina Chapter - A customer
has called you to evaluate a newly inherited piano. The
evaluation is key, and can lead to a job that is lucrative
and satisfying, or frustrating, embarrassing and time-
consuming. Evaluating a piano involves attention to detail
and an ability to communicate the needs of this particular
customer and piano. This interactive class discusses the 3
-legged stool of evaluation: time, money, and
expectations.  
 
(E) How Much is This Thing Worth? – Ward Guthrie, RPT,
Montana Chapter - “Help! I just accepted a job to
do an appraisal, and I have no idea how to do it or what
to look for. What have I gotten myself into?” Avoid this
situation. Learn the tools needed to become the best
piano appraiser in your area. Begin with a simples system
and sample forms that can be modified for your use. 

(E) The Business of Piano Service – Ed Bordeleau,
Hooksett, NJ - How to run a piano business as a
business, from the philosophy of business to business
planning, marketing and business building, tax planning,
bookkeeping, hiring subcontractors and employees, and
selling pianos. Learn to earn a comfortable living doing
what you love.

(E) Marketing Your Business to the Top – Bob
Russell, RPT, Cleveland, OH Chapter - Marketing
your business for increased profits and great job
satisfaction.  Topics include developing successful sales
techniques, success indicators, pre-scheduling, and
developing a piano teacher program.  If your NET income
is below $100,000, this class is for you.  If you earn over
$100,000, come and share your ideas.

(E) Why Did You Pay the IRS an Extra $10,000
Last Year? – Randy Potter, RPT, Randy Potter
School - Each year congress enacts hundreds of tax law
changes. Licensed Tax Preparers must attend 30 hours of
classes just to learn “the new stuff.” We can’t teach you
everything in 90 minutes, but you can learn a lot! Many
technicians have saved $3-10,000 by attending just
once. Updated for 2006.

(I) Accurately Replacing the Grand Pinblock
Made Easy - Ed Hilbert, RPT, Vermont Chapter
By using simple jigs and templates one can properly fit
virtually any pinblock,including fully-fitted and multi-
layer pinblocks. Class Participants will do the measuring,
cutting, fitting, and installation of a fully fitted pinblock
and will leave this all-day program with the knowledge
and confidence to tackle any pinblock job on their
own.  

(E) Tone Building – Wally Brooks, RPT & Amy
Tiernan, RPT, Brooks, Ltd. In this all day class
geared towards the field technician and rebuilder, Wally
will set out to show you how to prepare and build tone
in a new or rebuilt piano with actual demonstrations.
Classes will include: Tone Regulating the Piano,
Practical Touch Weight Analysis, Felt and the Piano
Hammer, Tone Regulating the Piano Hammer, Hammer
Tone Regulation (Hands on Voicing). These classes will
provide you with a thorough understanding of what
affects tone in the piano, the art of listening to tone
and a slew of technical tips on hammer selection,
controlling weight and voicing hammers to your
utmost ability.

(E) All-day with Steinway, featuring the
unveiling of the Model O - Roy Kehl, Gregory
Sims, Kent Webb, Eric Schandall, Steinway &
Sons Morning session: Mr. Roy Kehl will present an
illustrated history of the Model “O,” tracing its
development and historical significance as it relates to
later designs. Roy is arguably the foremost historian of
Steinway & Sons invention, innovation, and
development. Gregory Sims, Engineering Manager for
Steinway & Sons, New York, will discuss the
engineering and material requirements that are
involved in producing a model piano for which case
parts, rim press, soundboard press and plate are not
already present in the factory. Afternoon Session: Kent
Webb will discuss Steinway action design and
rebuilding. This is a class that anyone who works on
Steinway action restoration will find invaluable, with
reviews of changes made in design and fabrication, and
advice for choosing the correct parts. The final portion
of the day will be a presentation by Mr. Eric Schandall
on the preparation and voicing of Boston and Essex
pianos. This class will compare and contrast the
regulation and tone-regulating of both grand and
vertical models of the Boston and Essex with New York
Steinway & Sons pianos.

(I) Are You Regulationally Challenged?  - Rick
Baldassin, RPT and Carl Teel (Renner USA)  When
trying to remedy an action that doesn’t function
properly, a timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial. Ten
action models will be prepared to malfunction in a
variety of ways. The class has been newly expanded
into two class periods. In the first period, class
members in small groups will analyze and propose
solutions to these problems. In the second period, the
proper diagnosis for each model will then be shown,
and the model restored to proper function. The new
format allows plenty of time to discuss the principles of
grand regulation that relate to each problem. The class
will be practical, informative and hopefully fun. Class
limit 30. You must preregister for this class and
Part 2 below.

(I) Are You Still Regulationally Challenged?  -
Rick Baldassin, RPT, Carl Teel, Richard Davenport,
RPT Norman Neblett, RPT (Renner USA) No screws
have been turned to this point. This “hands-on” class is
a follow-up to “Are You Regulationally Challenged?”
Renner PTG Test action models and tools will be
provided so that class members can perform the
regulation steps as outlined. This will give you the
opportunity to apply the principles gleaned during “Are
You Regulationally Challenged?” The Renner team will
be ever watching over you as you work to insure your
success and add additional insight. Class limit 30.
Seating priority will be given to those who have
just attended “Are You Regulationally
Challenged?”

Preparing To Take The RPT Exams Seminar
Wednesday, June 21. Limit 36. You must preregister
for this class. Class size limited • $65 or $50 Early Bird
This all-day session provides an intensive training
opportunity for those preparing to take the PTG
Technical Exam and the PTG Tuning Exam.
Practical,hands-on learning is emphasized. Bring your
own tools. Preregistration required. Space is limited
to 36 participants.
• Technical Exam • The a.m. session is for those
with a basic knowledge of regulation and repairs.
Choose which tasks you want to practice on the exam
registration form. Mentors include RPTs Israel Stein,
Debbie Cyr, Martin Wisenbaker, Eric Nikiforoff and Ed
Sutton.
• Tuning Exam • The p.m. session will help you build
your aural tuning skills. Includes a short orientation
session and 40-minute skill segments. Mentors include
RPTs Marc Poulin, Doug Atkins, Paul Brown, Eric
Nikiforoff and Jack Stebbins.

Skill Sessions • NEW!
(I/S) Regulating the Damper System of
Steinway & Sons Grand Pianos - Eric Schandall,
Steinway & Sons, Scott Jones, Jacobs Music
In this two-part class we will examine the process of
making and regulating the sostenuto as well as offer
step-by-step procedures to regulating dampers,
whether from a new set or in order to refine an
existing regulation.  Damper trays, pivot blocks,
underlevers and their replacement will be discussed. 
During the second class period we will provide five
stations with damper jigs, allowing attendees to glue
felt, insert the wire in the damper head and regulate
the damper in a jig.  Continued participation by all
class attendees will allow both hands-on experience
and observation. Skills Station: see class description.

(E/S) Efficient Hammer Shaping – Ben McKlveen,
RPT, Cincinnati, OH Chapter This class covers the
reasons for shaping (and reshaping) hammers with
demonstrations of techniques and materials to get the
best results. Skills Station:  hammer shaping 

(E/S) Installation of Grand Dampers – Mastering
the Beast – Karen Robinson, Connecticut Chapter
This class addresses the entire damper system from wire
bending and felt selection to regulating the under levers
and shelf timing, with a view to understanding the
system to allow for accurate, quiet and efficient damper
installation. Some additional aspects of damper service
to be covered include service of the upper damper guide
bushings, setting the liberty rail, and troubleshooting
noisy felts.  Skills Station:  grand damper installation
and wire bending

(E/S) Action Centers: The Secret to Consistent
Touch – Don Mannino, RPT, Kawai This class is in
two parts within the one class session.  The first
focuses on conceptualizing action center operation and
service, and the second demonstrates an efficient and
highly accurate method for recentering using sized
broaches.  The discussion includes evaluating the
amount of friction needed for any given action part,
the effects of pinning on touch and tone, and dealing
with the various types of bushing cloths encountered. 
Skills Station: center pin repinning

(E/S)  Vertical Madness – Darren Speir, RPT &
Leon Speir, RPT, Dallas, TX Chapter Darren and
Leon include tips and procedures on regulation and
repairs of upright and spinet pianos. Everything you
didn’t want to know, or didn’t know you needed to
know, to help solve those troublesome situations,
including action removal and repairs in tight spaces. 
Skills Station:  Spinet action removal and repairs 

(E/S)  Ivory Keyboard Restoration – Debbie Cyr,
RPT, Boston, MA Chapter What can you do for an
ivory keyboard that needs work but is not ready to be
replaced with plastic?  Debbie includes demonstration
and step-by- step discussion of re-securing and
replacing ivory, including glues, fronts, whiting,
sanding and buffing.   Skills Station: ivory chip repair
with AcrylicKey.

(E/S)  Knot Now – Joel Jones, RPT, Madison, WI
A hands-on class of how, why and where to use what
knot. Knot just for the exam anymore!  When a string
becomes two pieces (BANG), you need not say (BLEEP).
Tie a knot. With a few simple twists you can form a
tuner’s, a square, or some hybrid style knot – no more
problem. This practical skill can put everything back in
tune- especially you. Skills Station: knot tying and
difficult string replacement.

(E/S) Hospital For Hopeless Pianos – Gary Neie,
RPT, North Central Louisiana Chapter When way
out in the field, and working on great grandma's 1912
Lauter, there are not many options.  This class will
show economically for customer and technician how to
repair loose tuning pins, jacks, ribs, hammer felt, pedal
traps and pins, bad hammer spring rails, broken and
sluggish keys, soundboard cracks and more.  
Skills Station:  various upright repairs

(E/S) The Evolution of the Piano 1877 thru
1960 – Laura Olsen, RPT, Chicago, IL Chapter &
Jack Wyatt, RPT, Dallas, TX Chapter  Using video
to analyze each action model, with class description and
discussion, determinations are made as to the
limitations, upkeep, performance potential and
durability. Action models include Broadwood of 1870s,
Stein of 1870s, Hickman of 1930s, Erard of 1821,
Shultz of 1930s, Haines of 1932, Brambach of 1889,
Pratt-Read U-7 of 1963, Fazioli MBA of 2000, Wood
Brooks 90% of 1947, W.N.G. of 1908 and Kimbler of
1890. Skills Station:  investigation and regulation of
the action models

(I/S)  Harpsichord Voicing – Fred Sturm, RPT,
New Mexico Chapter This class focuses on the
process or replacing a plectrum and matching its sound
and feel to those around it, with delete demonstration
on various notes of a delete harpsichord.  Procedures
for re-quilling an entire instrument are covered, as
well as regulation and damper felt replacement.
Skills Station: plectrum replacement and voicing

(I/S)  Building a Formal Piano Finish – Kevin
Hancock, Washington, DC Chapter This class
explains and demonstrates the steps of building a
lacquer piano finish.  With 30 wood panels, Kevin
shows the effects of each layer of the finish application,
including dye and pigment stains, filler, glaze, grain
enhancement and color adjustment.  Finish rub-out is
demonstrated.  Skills Station: finish rub-out

(B) (S)  Restringing the Grand Piano – Greg
Hulme, RPT, Kansas City Chapter Greg presents
restringing techniques that are time effective and
produce quality results. Skills Station:  stringing

(A/S) Voicing as an Integral Part of Routine
Piano Maintenance - Joe Swenson, Geneva,
International With pragmatic, easily understood
techniques, Joe demonstrates methods for establishing
a piano’s unique “voice,” and for achieving stable,
consistent tone regulation. This class helps the
technician develop a clear understanding of the process
of voicing, and how this process ties in to other aspects
of piano service. Skills Station:  hands-on voicing

(E/S)  Pneumatic Player Piano Service/Repair –
Herb Lindahl, RPT, Connecticut Chapter
Covering many aspects of in home player service and
repair, Herb emphasizes diagnosis, adjustments and
repair of common problems associated with the
pneumatically operated player piano.  He begins with
the removal of player for piano service, and moves
quickly to repairing leaks and tightening system air
chambers, etc. Skills Station:  Recovering bellows,
pouches and valve facings.

College & University Technicians Symposium
Precision Touch Design in the Institutional
Setting – David Stanwood, RPT, and Eric Wolfley,
RPT - David Stanwood gives a synopsis of his
Precision Touch Design concepts and will address how
this approach is highly advantageous in the institutional
setting both in terms of quality and long-term service.
Eric Wolfley shares his experience and techniques in
applying these valuable tools in a busy Conservatory of
Music setting.   
Contracting with Universities, Bill Shull
(Sierra University) and Chris Solliday (on
contract to several small colleges) - If you perform
institutional piano service for schools and your
arrangement is fee for service, contract, or anything
in-between (the most common is “contract without a
contract”), you will want to attend this class. Chris
Solliday and Bill Shull team- teach this fast-paced class
on the basics of institutional piano service. 
Non-traditional Piano Use, Alan Eder, California
Institute for the Arts - Non-traditional piano use,
including (but by no means limited to)prepared piano,
also encompasses sound production other than by the
hammers striking the strings, ways of approaching
the keyboard other than with fingers, alternative tuning
systems (quite beyond historical tunings), and anything
else musicians dream up.  Alan Eder, RPT, has been
working as a technician in an institutional setting
technician for well over two decades and has produced
a video titled “Non-Traditional Piano Use,” which is now in music libraries across the land.  The 30 minute video
was made to facilitate exploring the extended sound
world of the piano and doing so in a way that is piano
friendly.  The class will include viewing and discussing
the video with emphasis on the balancing act often
required of the piano technician. 
Piano Management, Joseph Balconi
(Eastman School of Music) - Most colleges are
technically understaffed   So when you have too few
people for too many pianos, how do you allocate time?
• What data are required so as to track and plan
tunings and service?
• How to capture data with a minimum overhead of time,
• What kind of data output is needed to guide the use
of technician time?
• How to plan and prioritize rebuilding work.
• The politics.  When considering how and where to
spend resources, views vary among various faculty,
department heads, other staff, administration.
• Are there metric measures that can help to plan the
work and to measure the results?
We have a custom-built data system that addresses a
few of these concerns.