August 2020

Board Updates The PTG Board of Directors met July 27-29 for five hours each day using Zoom. These meetings replaced both the pre- and post-council Board meetings typically held during convention. The agenda was 180 pages of reports, bylaw and policy proposals, financial information and other business matters that needed attention. There were three new task group formed and a couple of proposals sent back to the author(s) for further development. Chris LaBarre stepped down as Northeast Regional Vice President after two years and we thank him for his service. President Adams appointed Keith Bowman, RPT as NERVP to fill the position until next Summer or until an election can be held. This was the first time that we used Zoom on this scale and it went rather well by using the online voting features, breakout room, and whiteboard options. Watch your email for a newsletter from your Regional Vice President with all the updates and news from your region.

Chapter Meetings If your chapter is interested in doing an online meeting, PTG can schedule a virtual meeting using the organization’s Zoom account. Contact either Barbara Cassaday (barbara@ptg.org) or Jim Fariss (sec@ptg.org) with the date and time of the meeting and they will schedule it for you. You will receive a reply email with the Zoom invitation information to forward to your members. You can also view a list of other video conferencing platforms at www.ptg.org/members/regions-chapters/chapter-resources under Chapter Communications.

ETSC Exam Updates Digital RPT written exams were approved at the 2020 summer Board meeting. The digital format of the exam must be administered by an RPT. RPTs should contact the Home Office to make arrangements and receive instructions for the examiner and examinee.    The Board also approved an extension for exam retakes due to limitations on exam opportunities because of COVID-19. CTEs and TECs also have an additional year for recertifications that were due in 2020. If you have any questions, please contact Dave Davis, ETSC Chairman.

Member Benefits in Online Education The PTG has teamed up with Piano Technicians Masterclasses to offer you a new benefit! PTM provides cutting edge instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home. Pay only $1 for your first month’s access to Piano Tech Radio Hour. PTRH invites Authorities, Experts and Outstanding Piano Industry Personalities for a Zoom video chat with you and hosts David Andersen and Eathan Janney, RPT. Upcoming guests include: August 15 - Boaz Kirschenbaum, RPT August 23 - William Monroe, RPT The offer is limited to the first 250 registrants. Subscription includes auto-registration for live Zoom calls on Saturdays at 2pm ET, a member area with a library of past episode recordings and more perks, such as exclusive live lecture reviews on advanced topics like voicing. Sign up here: http://tiny.cc/PTG-discount. Use discount code PTGPTRH. PTG member benefits have expanded in recent months. View an up-to-date list on www.ptg.org.

Longtime PTG Member Recognized North Bennet Street School has named David Betts, RPT as their 2020 Distinguished Alumni Award Winner. Betts, who graduated from the NBSS piano technology program in 1972, started as an instructor in 1974. He saw the opportunity for - and developed - what would become the school’s Advanced Piano Technology program in 1979 and later seamlessly moved into the role of Department Head for both the basic and advanced programs.   Betts is a frequent instructor at PTG events and has been described as a “piano rebuilder of the highest caliber and an innovative leader in the piano tuning and rebuilding trades.” He was awarded an honorary diploma in Advanced Piano Technology earlier in 2020. Betts joins fellow technicians Eric Schandall, RPT (2017) and David Stanwood, RPT (2007) as a recipient of the award.

Interested in Being Part of a Mentorship Program? We’ve heard you ask for help in taking your knowledge of piano technology to the next level and the Education Committee has responded. We’re excited to announce the launch of the PTG Mentorship page! We have a growing roster of members who are willing and able to serve as mentors for other members who are looking to develop their skills in all areas of piano technology. Many of these mentors have decades of experience and most are willing to teach both in person and virtually. Those looking to advance their skills will need to reach out to potential mentors and develop a mentorship arrangement that works for both parties. We’ve also created a community forum, Mentorship Connect, where mentors and mentees can share resources and ideas. More information about the program, including tips for creating a successful mentoring relationship, can be found at www.ptg.org/mentorship.

PTG Foundation Board Announcing the PTG Foundation Board for 2020-2021: President - Melanie Brooks Vice President - Fred Sturm, RPT Secretary-Treasurer - Douglas Laing, RPT Directors - Sheila King, Joyce Meekins, RPT, Ruth Van Dine, RPT and Lisa Weller, RPT

Wanted: Journal Materials Have knowledge or expertise you've always wanted to share? Now is a good time to turn that idea into an article for The Piano Technicians Journal. The PTJ staff is looking for material for future editions and is interested in recruiting new authors and content. Please send a note to editor@ptg.org with your ideas. For more information go to the Author Resources page. The August 2020 issue of the Piano Technicians Journal is now available online at my.ptg.org. Use your PTG login username and password to log in to my.ptg.org.

Customer Contact Resources Need a 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.

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