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Piano Tuner-Technician

$26,000 to $80,000+
None
Performs Piano Repairs, Tunes Pianos.
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About This Music Career

As the name suggests, the Piano Tuner-Technician's main job is to tune pianos. To hone their skills, the Piano Tuner-Technician must usually apprentice. Such training is necessary because he or she must recognize the 6,000 to 8,000 different pieces of each piano! They must know each part, where it belongs in the instrument, and what its function is. The Piano Tuner's goal is to achieve proper pitch that sounds musically correct – they do this by adjusting strings.


There are approximately 220 strings in a standard piano with 88 keys, and the Tuner-Technician uses a tuning hammer to tighten or loosen the string being tested until its frequency matches that of a standard tuning fork. A good musical ear is essential in order to attain a perfect pitch, tone, and sound, as the Tuner-Technician tunes the other strings in relation to the starting string they just perfected.


Electronic tuning devices are often used, although they are relatively new. As a result, older master craftsmen usually do not use these electronic tuning devices, and they don't encourage their apprentices to do so either. The down side to remaining traditional is that electronic devices can usually tune more pianos in a shorter period of time.


The Tuner-Technician's responsibilities range from minor to major repairs, with minor repairs including replacing worn or broken piano hammers or detecting and correct other sound problems. Major problems include realigning hammers that are incorrectly striking strings and replacing hammer felt. Full dismantling of the piano is also sometimes necessary for the Tuner to find and fix problems.

Salaries
A Piano Tuner-Technician working in a piano factory can expect to earn between $26,000 and $45,000 annually, while music dealer Tuners can earn the same, on average. With that said, many Tuner-technicians are often self-employed or independent. Self-employed Piano Tuners charge varying fees for each piano they work on - these fees might be set fees if the Tuner is a member of the Piano Technicians' Guild. An independent Tuner can obtain contracts with music conservatories, universities, studios, and/or music groups. Full-time working Independent Piano Tuner-Technicians, can earn $80,000 or more per year.


Employment
As mentioned, Piano Tuner-Technicians can work for themselves or for a number of others. These potential employers include factories, dealers, schools, conservatories, universities, music colleges, music shops, music groups, concert halls, or recording studios. Tuners obtain their clients by placing advertisements or via word of mouth where satisfied clients can tell others or the great service they received. Smaller communities may have limited music outlets, so Piano Tuner-Technicians need to find other piano-related work, which can include teaching.


Advancement
After a few years of working on staff as a Tuner, many individuals might branch out to work on their own as self-employed or private Piano Tuner-Technicians where they might be presented with the opportunity to build as much business as they can handle.


Education and Training
To become a Tuner-Technician, completion of a training program and/or an apprenticeship is required. Courses endorsed by the Piano Technician's Guild are usually the best and most useful courses to take – course study will usually take 2 to 3 years to complete.


Special Requirements
As noted above, Piano Tuner-Technicians may belong to the Piano Technicians' Guild, which grants the Registered Piano Technician Credential to Guild members who successfully pass the Guild's administered exams.


Experience, Skills, and Personality
Experience as an apprentice is a must for anyone interested in becoming a Piano Tuner-Technician. In addition, the Tuner must have a good musical ear, and should have a great interest in the piano, and the ability to play it. Patience is also required if one wishes to be able to obtain the perfect pitch, tone, or sound.


Unions and Associations
Piano Tuner-Technicians may belong to the Piano Technicians' Guild. After becoming a member of the Guild, the Piano Tuner-Technician's fees are set by the guild for any work performed by the Tuner (those who are not Guild members are free to charge whatever fees they want).


Suggestions for Getting Started

  • Obtain good training by going to a school endorsed by the Piano Technicians' Guild.
  • Try and apprentice with the most talented individual possible.
  • Check out websites of piano factories and music dealers for any available job openings.