Exam Prep Classes

NOTE: Click on an instructor's name to see a bio.

Introduction to the PTG Technical Exam

Israel Stein, RPT

Israel Stein, RPT

Israel SteinIsrael Stein, RPT, has taught numerous classes dealing with action regulation and repairs at PTG Annual Conventions as well as Regional Conferences and chapter events. In the course of directing the PTG’s Technical Exam program from 2004 until 2009 he developed and taught the Technical Exam Hands-on Exam Prep classes during those years. Israel has administered over 100 technical examinations since he set up the technical testing program for PTG's Boston Chapter in 1989, and this experience continuously provides unique and valuable perspectives for teaching action work. A graduate of the North Bennet Street School Piano Technology program (Boston), Israel has been employed at San Francisco State University as Piano Technician for the past 6 years – besides operating his own piano service and rebuilding business. Previously his career in piano service included employment with the Boston area Steinway dealership - where his responsibilities included working as primary Boston Area Steinway concert technician - and a stint regulating and voicing brand new grands at the Mason & Hamlin factory in Haverhill, Massachusetts.

A walkthrough of the requirements for the PTG technical exam and a survey of test equipment and procedures. Find out how to prepare for the exam, what tools and supplies you need to bring to the test site and what examinees are entitled to before, during and after the test. Learn how to best utilize your time, improve efficiency, cope with exam anxiety and other skills and strategies you need to successfully tackle the exam. For PTG Associate members only.

Inside the Tuning Exam

Jeff Hickey, RPT

Jeff Hickey, RPT

Starting with a Niles Bryant Course in the mid-70s, Jeff has been tuning for dealerships and customers for more than 35 years. His theme as Director for the Las Vegas Institute in 2010 was 'The Practical Technician', and that has been his approach to business and tuning since the beginning. His journey through tuning includes a 2-yr college certified course in Piano Tuning and Related Technology, steady work for dealerships (including Yamaha, Mason-Hamlin, Baldwin, Kawai, Tokai, and others), membership in the Golden Gate Chapter of the PTG through the 80's (...think of Michael Kimbell, Susan Graham, Bill Spurlock, Fern Henry and other such folk), and endlessly pulling knowledge from people much more skilled and knowledgeable whenever possible. He spent 25 years as an pure aural tuner, but now pulls out an ETD for nearly every tuning, combining the ETD with his ear for maximum speed and pleasing results in tuning.

What are the exam requirements? What are the time limits for each section? How is the exam scored? What does a 3-cent error on pitch sound like? If these are your questions, and you are preparing to take the PTG tuning exam, then this is the class for you! We'll even explain what a 'thumper' is, and why you should care. You will see and hear an exam prepared midrange, and I'll answer your questions, too!