Piano Tuner
Piano Tuners usually work for small varieties or do freelance work for individuals in which they regulate, tune, and repair grand, upright, and player pianos. Both full-time and part-time positions are available, and working conditions are comfortable. Being a musician is not required, but piano technicians should have the ability to hear and adjust pitch.
Duties and tasks
- Compares current pitch of piano with the pitch produced by a standard tuning fork
- May make initial adjustments to piano strings in a factory that produces them
- Places strips of rubber or felt between strings and mutes them to perform testing
- Provide advice's to customers about piano repairs and tuning
- Tunes piano by turning a string pin with a tuning hammer to adjust its tension until it corresponds with the tuning fork
- Tunes pianos in public and private establishments using a tuning hammer and tuning fork after removing the front board of the piano for access to the strings
Skills required
- Ability to recognize proper pitch
- Excellent hand-eye coordination, ability to complete small hand-intensive tasks
- Good interpersonal skills to efficiently communicate with clients
- Patience and attention to detail
- Sometimes requires specialized training at a piano technology training school or university (Master of Arts with a Piano Technology emphasis available)
- Two or more years of on-the-job training or three or more years of experience may be substituted for formal training/education
Working conditions
Piano Tuners work in a variety of different places, predominately indoors. They are paid rather well, especially if they have high-profile jobs for orchestras, etc. and receive a steady stream of work.Professional associations / Industry information
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