February 2022
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Foundation Scholarships – April 30 Deadline for Convention & Exam Scholarship
The Piano Technicians Guild Foundation offers scholarships for an exam fee and convention registration available to members who have passed two RPT examinations and plan to take the third exam at the annual convention. Applications are due no later than April 30. Please visit the Foundation website and click on Convention & Exam Scholarships for instructions and to apply online.
The Foundation also recently launched a new scholarship for chapter leaders that pays for one exam voucher. Ten Leadership scholarships are available in 2022. The scholarship is open to members holding office in local chapters as President, Vice President, Secretary, or Treasurer. It provides a voucher covering the exam fee for the Technical or Tuning exam valid at any exam site. Click Leadership Scholarship for more details. Visit the PTGF Foundation site and click on Scholarships for more information.
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2022 Winter RVP Newsletters
Watch your email for a newsletter from your RVP with an overview of the Board meeting actions. Read about bylaws and policy changes, new projects, exam updates and more.
Database and Web Changes
The Home Office is in the process of upgrading to a new member management system. The changes should result in improved service by Home Office staff and a better experience for PTG members. We anticipate the changeover to begin on March 28. It’s anticipated that the PTG database and discussion groups may be unavailable for access for a period of up to one week. Because of that we are asking members to make any changes to their personal information by March 25. We apologize in advance for any issues this will cause. We’ll keep you updated on changes and new features.
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The New Digital RPT Written Exam is Available Now
The new digital RPT Written Exam is easy to use and can be given anywhere you have internet access and a digital device. The 100-question, online format of the exam is scored automatically and results are reported electronically, making the examiner's job much easier! For security reasons the exam must still be proctored by an RPT who is present at the exam site. The RPT sponsor should contact the Home Office (kathy@ptg.org) or the ETSC Written Exam Subcommittee (Robert Guenther, r.guenther.rpt@gmail.com or Greg Cheng, gchengrpt@gmail.com to set up an exam and receive instructions for the examiner and examinee. Please be aware that the current paper versions of the exam are being phased out and will not be accepted after April 1, 2022. Chapters are encouraged to have at least one RPT trained to give the digital written exam. Please contact Robert or Greg to learn more about how to serve as an exam proctor.
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Spreading the Message
Piano technicians are often asked about their work. What’s it like? How do you get started? How much money can I make? PTG has resources available to help you answer these questions.
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Chapter Meetings That Connect
In the age of virtual and hybrid meetings, your ability to offer a wider variety of training is better than ever. Whether using a live presenter or video (sometimes both!), the possibilities are endless. Below are some resources you can tap into to help make your chapter meetings more instructive and engaging. Our thanks to chapter leaders who helped contribute to the list in the Chapter Leaders community. Don’t forget to include a little time for networking.
Presenters and Topics
- Your own chapter membership and other chapters in your region
- Your Regional Vice President
- Discussions groups at my.ptg.org
- PTG Academy Online
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Manufacturers, vendors and suppliers - see online Industry Directory
- Presenters from past conferences and conventions
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Piano Technicians Journal authors
- Authors of industry-related books
- Local rebuilders and piano retailers
- Local business professionals
Ways to Engage Members
- Have participants introduce themselves with video on. They can turn it off later.
- Contests and games
- Icebreakers
- Show-and-Tell (cool tools, unique pianos, challenges)
- Bring a friend
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Chapter Challenges - a series of short activities you can use in a chapter meeting. Developed by John Parham, RPT
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Skills Drill - A series by John Parham, RPT found in 2020 Journals each month. Plan a chapter seminar (virtual, on site or both)
- Invite members from other chapters or have joint meetings
Officer Changes
Please keep us updated whenever your chapter has officer elections. That information shows up in your online chapter directory and determines eligibility for some discussion groups. Please send your changes or updates to sandy@ptg.org.
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