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."
Where do my membership dues go?
As a non-profit 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 the Piano Technicians Journal, business aids, marketing materials, advertising, and educational programs are a few of the ways we accomplish this task.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 for more information on your local chapter. Click here to see a list of chapters.
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.
Are there study materials available for the exams?
Yes, both Tuning and Technical Exam Source Books and other materials are available in the PTG online store. In addition, many chapters and the PTG offer exam prep classes and study sessions.
What is the cost of the exams?
The cost for the written exam is $25. The technical and tuning exams cost $210 each.
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.
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.
Click here to join online. If you prefer to have a membership information packet mailed to you, fill out the form on the How to Join PTG page, or contact the PTG Home at ptg@ptg.org or 913-432-9975.
Can my membership application be rejected for any reason?
Applications may be rejected for failing to meet certain criteria. Please contact the PTG Home Office at ptg@ptg.org or 913-432-9975 for more information.
How can I advertise my PTG membership?
All members are encouraged to advertise their affiliation with the Piano Technicians Guild. RPTs also have several logos available for use in advertising.
Where can I find image files of the RPT logo and emblem?
Logos and graphics can be downloaded through the Business & Marketing page.
Why do I need my member username and password to login?
Each PTG member has a unique username and password that is used to verify membership for PTG Store discounts, event registrations, access to the Member Area and my.ptg.org, your professional networking site.
How can I find my username and password?
You can request a forgotten username or password when you click on the login screen. You may also call the Home Office at (913) 432-9975 during normal business hours and a staff member will be happy to provide you with your login information.
Why don’t I get my member discount when I order online from the PTG Store?
You will need to be logged in as a PTG member to be eligible for discounted pricing. If you are a new member, call the PTG Home Office at (913) 432-9974 to find out your member ID and password.
What kind of insurance programs and other benefits does PTG have for members?
PTG offers a wide variety of programs especially designed for piano technicians. For a full list of benefits visit the Member Benefits page.
How do I get involved in PTG now that I’ve joined?
PTG is only as good as our members. As a volunteer organization we count on your involvement in order to keep our association viable. Volunteering your time and special talents on a local, regional or national level is the surest way to get the most from your membership. We have needs for writers, artists, business and finance specialist, graphic designers, piano movers, instructors or any number of other skilled and non-skilled people at all levels. Your unique talents can certainly be put to work on a committee. Contact the PTG Vice President at vp@ptg.org if you’d like to volunteer for a committee.
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 and resources of the members of that particular chapter. Chapters are encouraged to bring in technical instructors from outside the chapter when reasonable to do so.
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 for more information on your local chapter.
Why doesn’t my name show up in the PTG website “Find A Technician” search?
Only Registered Piano Technicians (RPTs) are listed in the online public search area. While we value all of our members, we take pride in our certification and in promoting those technicians who have proven themselves through the exam process. The RPT designation is the only way we have of evaluating the service skills of our members and therefore they are the only classification we recommend to the public.
What are the benefits of becoming an RPT?
The PTG has spent a lot of time and effort in promoting the Registered Piano Technician to the public. We have done that through advertising, using online search tools and creating business resources especially designed for the RPT. The online referral service alone can pay your dues with one new client.
When can a 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.
Where can I find study materials for the RPT exams?
There are links downloadable materials in the RPT Certification area under PTG Members. You can also purchase the Tuning and Technical Exam Source Books from the PTG Store. Check with your local chapter to see if they have materials available for loan.
What is the cost of the exams?
The written exam fee is $25; the tuning and technical exams are $210 each. Should any part of the exam need to be retaken the fees are prorated accordingly. (See Organizational Policies for more information.)
How do I find someone to give me an RPT exam?
Any RPT can administer the written exam and there is no cost. Ask your chapter president for help in finding a local RPT to give you the exam. Only certified examiners can administer the technical and tuning exams. Check with your local chapter to see if exams are offered, check regional conference or annual convention schedules to see if exam opportunities are included, or check the RPT Certification area under PTG Members to find lists of exam sites and examiners.
How do I sign up for a PTG discussion group?
Visit my.ptg.org to learn more about getting connected with other technicians online.
How do I transfer to a different PTG chapter?
If you move your membership can be transferred to another chapter. Simply notify the Home Office at 913-432-9975 or ptg@ptg.org of your new address and the process will begin. The Chapter president of both your old and new chapters will be notified as well as your Regional Vice President. As long as you are a member of good standing the transfer will be seamless. You also have the option of maintaining dual membership should you choose to do so.
What resources do you have for visually impaired technicians?
PTG tries to make everything we offer available in formats that can be read by electronic readers. The Piano Technicians Journal is available in PDF format which your computer can read aloud. You need your member number and password to log in. You can also access audio recordings of the Journal through the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled program. If you can’t find what you need, please contact us.
Can PTG provide me with a letter verifying membership status that I can use for contract bids or other personal business needs?
Yes, PTG can send a letter that verifies your membership status, member category and/or join date. Contact the PTG Home Office at 913-432-9975 or ptg@ptg.org and tell them that you need a letter verifying your “Good Standing” in the Guild and be sure to tell us what information you need it to contain.
What do I do if I have a complaint about a member’s advertising or to report a non-member advertising as a member?
PTG members should refer to the Graphic Standards Manual where guidelines for advertising are explained. As PTG continues to promote the RPT, there will be increased abuse of our trademarks and logos therefore non-member advertising violations are to be expected. Should the need arise to register a complaint the first step is to notify your Regional Vice President.
What do I do if I have a complaint about a member’s business practices?
Members are expected to follow the Code of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct. They are what make the PTG a respected leader in the industry. On the rare occasion that a member acts in an unprofessional manner, PTG does have a disciplinary process in place. (See the Disciplinary Code in the Organizational Policies for more information.)