The Piano Technicians Guild, Inc. is the largest non-profit organization serving piano tuners, technicians, and craftsmen throughout he world. Formed in 1957 by the merger of the American Society of Piano Technicians and the National Association of Piano Tuners, the Guild was organized to promote the highest possible service and technical standards among piano tuners and technicians.

The Guild sponsors meetings, seminars, workshops and conventions, and publishes a monthly technical magazine the Piano Technicians Journal which features a wealth of technical information ranging from useful hints to in-depth instruction on tuning, repairing and rebuilding. As a member of the PTG, you'll receive timely information on piano manufacturing technology, as well as tuning and servicing techniques that will help you use your time more efficiently. You'll be able to communicate with other professionals who share your problems and concerns, and you'll benefit from our group rates for various insurance policies including tools and bailees, life, health, and liability plan options. In addition, you'll become a part of a vast network of individuals and industry organizations who work together towards related goals.

The PTG counts among its members a wide variety of professionals. Our organization consists of individuals who service pianos in homes and concert halls, studio technicians, rebuilders, designers, manufacturers, retailers, and enthusiasts. The Guild sponsors an annual international technical institute where members gather to share their knowledge, skills and experiences. Seminars and workshops are presented by both members and manufacturers to address a wide variety of subjects related to servicing and rebuilding instruments of various makes, models and vintage. Typical seminar subjects have included string scaling, action analysis, action regulation, tuning, soundboard replacement, finish touchup, computers and health/environmental concerns. Conference programs also include classes on how to better manage your business and make it more profitable.

The governing body of the Piano Technicians Guild is it Council of Delegates, which represents all franchised members at an annual business meeting. The Board of Directors is composed of the Guild's President, Vice President, Secretary-Treasurer and seven Regional Vice Presidents. The Board meets twice a year to conduct business within the Council's framework of bylaws, policies and guidelines. The Piano Technicians Guild is supported by member dues and revenue from the sale of business aides, technical publications and other educational programs and materials.

There are more than 160 chapters located throughout the Guild's seven regions, and all Registered Piano Technicians and Associates must be members of a chapter. Most chapters offer technical programs on a regular basis.

Because the PTG adheres to a strict code of conduct, members are asked to conform to a set of ethical standards. We hope you plan to become a member or renew your membership in the PTG, an association dedicated to expanding your knowledge and enjoyment of your work, and committed to helping you reach your professional and financial goals.

Associate Membership

This general membership category is designed specifically to include everyone who supports the Piano Technicians Guild's goals and purposes. It is not necessary to work as a tuner-technician to become an Associate member. Part of your Annual PTG dues are assessed for chapter dues. Your Associate membership entitles you to:

• Receive a full subscription to the monthly Piano Technicians Guild Journal (also available on audio cassette for the visually impaired.)
• Qualify to enroll in various insurance plans including tool and bailees, liability, life, medical and dental coverage.
• Receive discounts on annual conference and local seminar registration fees.
• Qualify to upgrade your status to RPT by taking the RPT exams.

Registered Piano Technician Membership

This category of membership is recognized throughout the world as designating its recipient qualified to service instruments in homes and for a variety of professional uses. In order to establish a minimum standard for acceptable piano service, PTG has designed a comprehensive series of exams which Associate members must pass in order to become RPTs. To qualify as an RPT, applicants must:

1. Pass a written test divided into multiple-choice and short-answer sections covering six categories: tuning, action regulation, tone regulation repairs, piano design and construction, and related general information. A minimum score of 80% will allow applicants to continue on to either the technical or tuning test. This examination is administered by local PTG chapters and there is no fee for this test.
2. Pass a technical test which covers three areas of technical knowledge: grand action assembly and regulation, vertical action regulation, and repair procedures. This examination takes about four hours to complete and requires a minimum passing score of 80% in each area. This portion of the RPT certification is given at individual chapters, at area testing centers and some regional conferences. There is a fee for this test.
3. Pass a tuning test. With their own tools, applicants must tune a piano which has been tuned by a team of Certified Tuning Examiners who record the tuning and then detune the piano. The applicant's tuning of the same piano is compared to the master tuning in eight areas: pitch, temperament, midrange, treble, high treble, bass, stability and unisons. Applicants must score 80% in each section. Tuning tests are given by individual chapters, at area testing centers, and some conferences. There is a fee for this examination.

Upon successful completion of all three examination, applicants attain the status of Registered Piano Technician (RPT), which entitles designates to all the benefits of Associate membership as well as:

• The right to vote and to be represented in Council.
• The right to hold any office in the PTG.
• The full authorization to use the PTG logo and RPT designation in advertising and printed material.
• Worldwide recognition of competency to service instruments for amateur and professional use.
• Special brochures and materials designed to answer frequently-asked questions about piano maintenance and servicing.
• Opportunity to enroll in PTG's contenting education program, "Passport to Excellence."

The Piano Technicians Guild offers a unique experience to its members. It is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization of dedicated individuals working together to better their abilities and their profession. Through these efforts, they make substantial contributions to our musical culture and to preservation of the piano's musical heritage.

For information on how to join PTG, simply fill out this short questionaire. Thank you for your interest in PTG.