March 2021
Greetings to Our New Members
If you're reading a PTG member e-newsletter for the first time, welcome! If you need anything, please get in touch with your chapter president, Regional Vice President, or the PTG Home Office. Be sure to check out some of the great benefits of PTG membership. To all members, check out the list of new members in each month's Journal and see who's new in your area.
It's a Go!
The annual PTG convention will be the exciting in-person conference that you've been missing for the past year! Enjoy seeing old friends and catching up on what has happened this past year. And, don’t worry. In order to deliver an enjoyable experience for all of our attendees, we will be capping attendance and following all recommended safety protocols. We know it's been a long wait, and we are excited to welcome you back in 2021!
 
In a year full of unknowns and charting new territory, we know better than ever that you can't predict the future. So while we are moving full steam ahead with planning the 2021 Annual PTG Convention and Technical Institute in Orlando FL, we understand that not everyone in our learning community will have the ability or desire to travel to an in-person event in 2021. That’s why we are committed to bringing a limited selection of classes to your home by streaming some live classes as well.
 
The 2021 Convention & Technical Institute website is scheduled to go live on April 1. Registration will also open that day. Watch your email for updates, then follow the convention website for more information as it becomes available.
Convention & Exam Scholarship Deadline Extended to May 1
Interested in a free registration for the 2021 PTG Convention? The Piano Technicians Guild Foundation offers scholarships for a convention registration and exam fee for members who have passed two RPT examinations and plan to take the third exam at the annual convention. You can now apply online. A downloadable application is also available if you prefer to mail your application. Applications must be received at the Home Office or online no later than May 1 to qualify. www.ptg.org/foundation/scholarships/convention
Virtual Steinway Tour
Although closed to the public, you can now tour Steinway’s factory virtually. The 40-minute video covers all aspects of production from rim bending to preparing a completed piano for shipping. Completion of a form is required before viewing. A great idea for an online chapter meeting! The website is located at www.steinway.com/misc/virtual-factory-tour.
PTG Committee Positions Available
Make a difference in your organization by volunteering for a PTG committee. All members are eligible to serve. Contact your RVP or PTG Vice President Marc Poulin (vp@ptg.org) to volunteer or to recommend someone else. See a committee list in the Member Area at www.ptg.org.
Did You Know...
Some Piano Technicians Journal articles have bonus videos posted on the PTG YouTube Channel that demonstrate illustrations and add more details. Check articles for QR code or web links to videos, or check out the entire Piano Technicians Journal playlist.
PTG Council and Bylaws Proposals
The PTG Council meeting will be held prior to the start of convention on August 3, 2021. Chapter presidents will receive a Council delegate request form to officially register delegates and alternates. Please return the form to barbara@ptg.org by June 19.

Caucus meetings normally held during the Council meeting will change this year in that attendance may be in person or virtual. You must be a registered chapter delegate to attend. If you will not be joining us in Orlando then you will receive an email closer to time with instructions on how to join your regional caucus meeting. It is important that you get familiar with Zoom and its functions prior to the meeting.

The Council meeting WILL NOT include virtual delegate representation or voting but will be streamed live as we’ve done in the past. Council/Board books will not be mailed this year but will be posted in the Member Area under Forms and Documents on www.ptg.org by July 4. A notice will be sent when it’s available for download.

May 30 – Bylaw proposals are due to the Bylaws Committee for the Summer Board meeting. Find more information on the Bylaws Committee page.
June 19 – Non-Bylaw RFA's, all Committee reports (except bylaws) and Board reports due for the Summer Board meeting. Send reports in Word format to barbara@ptg.org. Download an RFA form.
June 29 – Bylaws Committee Report due for the Summer Board meeting. Send report in Word format to barbara@ptg.org.
Member Benefits - Free Downloadable Reminder Cards
Did you know all PTG members can download free client reminder cards? Four full-color designs in PDF format are available. Each 8.5" x 11" page includes four of the same design and includes an optional pre-printed page with a place to record the last tuning. Print your own reminder cards using these designs or use the images in email reminders. Find them at www.ptg.org in the Member Area on the Business & Marketing page.
Customer Contact Resources
Need a unique and informative way to reach out to customers? PTG has options available for members that can be easily customized for individual use. Visit www.ptg.org/stayconnected to find our newest offerings of texts and short videos you can cut and paste into emails and social media posts. Use them as a helpful way to stay in contact and encourage future appointments. Topics include:
  • How Do I Clean My Piano?
  • What Does A-440 Mean?
  • Regulation
  • Does it Hurt my Piano When Kids Pound On It?
  • The Expensive Free Piano
  • What’s the difference between a piano tuner and a piano technician?
  • Pitch Raising
  • Humidity Control
PTG Green Initiative
As adopted in 2005, the Council Book of Resolutions states, "Home Office and PTG membership shall be environmentally aware." Over the last year, the HO has been working towards eliminating the printing and mailing of such things as newsletters, supplements, invoices, and monthly statements. Please update your profile online or contact the HO if we do not have your current contact information.