This question is related to Beth's thread about schooling. PTG's website lists two correspondence schools, the American School of Piano Tuning and Randy Potter's School of Technology. I'm interested in taking a beginner correspondence study, mostly to learn as a hobby, and who knows, maybe a career if I really like it. Has anybody taken any of these courses? If you did, what did you like/dislike about them?

Thanks,
Mark

This is a "NO BS" answer to your question. Ignore the American School "thing" Do not hesitate to procure the Randy Potter Course.

I'm not completely gung-ho about Randy Potter's course, but if I were going to recommend one, that would be it. I think the course can be a great teaching TOOL. But just as you can't learn to pain Picasso's from a book entitled "Learn to Paint", you can't really learn all the aspects of piano servicing from a correspondence course. Again, I'm in favor of it, but as a tool, not as the be all, end all, of piano technology. Another great tool, is to become an associate member of the PTG, and start attending meetings in your area. I think you'd find the atmosphere welcoming, and condusive to learning. Great place to bounce ideas, here new techniques, and get questions answered.

Hope that helps.

KlavierBauer

I took the American course 25 years ago, and it gave me a start, but most of what I learned came from other techs and the PTG. Piano tuning is a bit difficult to learn from a correspondence course. You are probably better off going to a few Piano Technicians Guild meetings and getting some hands on training. There are many books available as well. Whether you tune by ear, or with a machine, tuning takes a huge commitment in time to learn properly. It's not a few hours, it's several hundred or more.

No tech here, but an observation:

My tech currently has an apprentice in his shop. While he works with my tech, my tech also insisted that he buy the Randy Potter course.

I don't know if this is the best way to do it, it's just the way my tech trains.

I started with the Potter course and I think it is a great way to learn. I know that it is a bit pricey but if you work hard, you will make that money back in no time.

Thanks for the info. I've decided to go with Randy Potters course. I'll let you know how it goes.

I also noticed that there is going to be a PTG guild convention coming up in Feburary about 20 minutes away from me in San Ramon, CA, so I'm going to attend that seminar as well. Randy Potter from that correspondence school is assigned to teach a class there as well.

Mark

Just my 2 cents here:

I know a lot of techs and they get started in several ways, but many take some kind of mail order type of course and Randy Potter's course is popular.

However, there is absolutely no substitute to one on one training. it is simply a must, IMHO. In our facilities at Cunningham we have 16 full time techs and most of them will say they learned over 50% of what they know within our walls. (Most had some type of experience before starting with us)