Dive into the harmonious echoes of our PTRH community in this episode, where the vibrant voices of participants weave together a tapestry of insights and shared experiences. From the lively discussions on piano tuning to navigating the unique challenges posed by the pandemic, our community came together for an enriching session that embraced the diversity of thoughts and perspectives.

What a dedicated community! In this episode, we recognize Calvin from Malaysia, a dedicated member who shares his passion for pianos with us in the stillness of the night. Join us as we uncover the stories and anecdotes that bridge geographical boundaries, highlighting the universal language of music that unites our global community.

The episode spotlights the talents and contributions of Wayne Ferguson, Susan Kline, Stephen Beuker, and Larry Lobel, whose voices add depth and richness to our conversations. Their thoughts on piano technology and various aspects of the craft illuminate the diversity within our community, making each interaction a unique and enriching experience.

Specifically, Larry Lobel's innovative ideas ignite the spark of creativity re-evoking host, Eathan's concept of a piano tech lab in a place like NYC.

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:

• How to tune pianos.
• How to repair pianos.
• How to rebuild pianos.
• How to tune concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Instagram -Piano Technicians Masterclass (@pianotechmasterclass) 

FB - Piano Technicians Masterclasses | Facebook

Spotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

This PTRH session features the remarkable Oliver Esmonde-White with guest appearances by the insightful Wayne Ferguson. They're two of Canada's finest piano pros. The episode unfolds with updates on Oliver's groundbreaking project—a revolutionary upright piano action. We learn about his versatile hammer rail/action rail development with a one-size-fits-all solution, poised to revolutionize the piano industry. It's all made possible through 3D-printed rapid prototyping.

We gain deep insights into innovation challenges as Oliver passionately emphasizes the need for collaboration and government support in research and development. Wayne Ferguson adds his reflections on the serendipitous nature of discoveries in the field, seamlessly connecting to the four stages of learning discussed in more detail in a previous session.

The episode explores the incipient resurgence of the piano, its educational value, and its role in brain development for children, advocating for its inclusion in school curriculums. Oliver's perspective expands into a profound understanding of the transformative impact of music on the brain.

We wrap up the session by highlighting the deep understanding gained from cutting-edge innovations, the serendipity of discovery, and the societal impact of music education. The episode serves as a gateway to fostering further discussion and collaboration within the piano technicians' community.

Here’s a little bit about our guest Oliver Esmonde-White:

With over five decades dedicated to perfecting the art of piano technology, Oliver stands as a true maestro in the field. As the last Canadian to study at the prestigious Baldwin factory and the first North American attendee of the Yamaha Piano Technical Academy in 1986, his journey is legendary.

Having played a pivotal role as a rebuilder and concert technician, Oliver's fingerprints can be found on thousands of recordings, audio productions, and televised performances. His tireless commitment to pushing the boundaries of excellence has earned his shop the accolade of the most modern in Canada, according to Yamaha Canada.

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:

• How to tune pianos.
• How to repair pianos.
• How to rebuild pianos.
• How to tune concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Instagram -Piano Technicians Masterclass (@pianotechmasterclass) 

FB - Piano Technicians Masterclasses | Facebook

Spotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

In today’s session, we join Carl Lieberman in person and talk about the importance of networking to thrive in the piano industry. Carl talks about how he has formed some serendipitous connections over time and where they stand now. 

Networking can seem sleazy to a lot of people because you are doing it to get something out of someone but in this episode, Carl shares stories of how he has organically built connections with people over time and how that keeps him young at heart. Through one of these opportunities, Carl has been able to build a virtual museum for Piano Technicians - by tapping into a lot of networks that he has built over time. 

Carl also captures his experience of being a piano tuner in LA and some unconventional tips to succeed on the job. He says “You do not have to do the best possible job every time you’re doing a tuning. I think of stability and piano playability over time, when the humidity changes, the pitch will change and you have to correct it all over again. Instead, fine-tune for each performance. Think about long-term stability”. Tune into this session to hear him talk about this and share many other controversial opinions.

Here’s a little bit about our guest Carl Lieberman:

Carl has been a piano technician in Los Angeles for 49 years. I have worked with CyberTuner's creator, Dean Reyburn for the last 25 years and am now CyberTuner's Imagineer. I am a field service piano technician working at a Performing Arts Center, Recording Studios and private homes.

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:

• How to tune pianos.
• How to repair pianos.
• How to rebuild pianos.
• How to tune concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Instagram -Piano Technicians Masterclass (@pianotechmasterclass) 

FB - Piano Technicians Masterclasses | Facebook

Spotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

In this session, we bring you exclusive access to an interview with Jan D’Esopo, an artist and impresario who founded the Steinway Society of Puerto Rico which offers a forum for local musicians and funds local talents. The Society is a fascinating place that Eathan discovers in Puerto Rico and he sits down for a chat with Jan to discuss her journey as an artist and how she has built the place. 

The Steinway Society is a piano bar and so much more with six complex and interconnected buildings that Jan has collected and curated over time over 47 years. It houses 6 pianos including the Steinway D, because music is integral to a place for Jan. Since then Jan has opened the place up for pianists to learn and play. The first piano she acquired was a gift from her father, and in this interview, she walks us through the fascinating story of how she has built her collection over time. She says “Open piano leads to another and before you know it you have the most wonderful musicians come in”. 

Jan tells us how she built one of the most active Steinway societies in the world and how it developed over time. She also stresses the importance of attracting the right crowd and letting things be organically developed. Tune into this conversation for a candid and interesting account of Jan’s journey. 

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:

• How to tune pianos.
• How to repair pianos.
• How to rebuild pianos.
• How to tune concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pianotechmasterclass

FB - https://www.facebook.com/pianotechmasterclass

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1jiIJEA9pToGft6fdfZaxu

Today’s guest is a bit more unusual than what we do here at PTRH which makes it special and fun - Danny studies product design at Columbia College where he focuses on guitars. He joined the restoration team and worked on restoring museum-quality pieces from the 17th century. He has been acquainted with a lot of power tools but prefers working with his hands which is interesting for us piano makers! 

Danny says “While going to school for design work, I did learn a lot about technology and what I can do with a computer - so now I’m in the perfect world of combining the two”. He designs tools through the use of computers and in this session, he talks about his processes and techniques of going about toolmaking. 

As piano technicians, we are constantly working with our hands and shifting between tools - Danny’s approach is this: “I try to work with my hands. Each time I do it, I try to do it faster” - which is relevant to our profession of piano tuning, and we flesh out the parallels. 

The guitar has been mass-produced but now players are getting more specific about how they want their music to sound - Danny is in the business of tailoring this sound. As opposed to this,  for piano technicians, we are starting from specifics and technical details which become the basis of our practice. 

In this episode, we discuss the similarities and differences between working on the piano and the guitar. For every element of guitar restoration, Eathan provides an analog for the piano. 

If you would like to learn more about Piano Tuning from a completely refreshing lens while also getting a sense of how it contrasts with other string instruments, this is the episode for you. 

Here’s a little bit about our guest Danny Koentopp:

Danny started taking guitar lessons at age seven and from that point, the guitar became a lifelong passion. With the support of his professors and the college itself, he focused all his work on guitar. While making his seventh guitar, he met violin maker Michael Darnton and joined the restoration team Darnton & Hersh Fine Violins. He has acquired a lot of powerful tools over the years and after studying with Michael he has found it faster to work by hand. 

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:

• How to tune pianos.
• How to repair pianos.
• How to rebuild pianos.
• How to tune concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pianotechmasterclass

FB - https://www.facebook.com/pianotechmasterclass

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1jiIJEA9pToGft6fdfZaxu

In this episode, our host, Eathan Janney broadcasts live from the colorful backdrop of Puerto Rico. The episode is a freeform discussion with the community in attendance. We kicked off by highlighting an upcoming virtual piano tech symposium designed for flexible learning and networking opportunities across various industry sectors.

Community member Carl Lieberman, a seasoned piano technician, shares his experiences post-pandemic as he returns to work on cruise ships and concert halls. He talks about the challenges and joys of bringing life back to pianos that have been silent during the pandemic's pause in travel and live performances.

Dave Skolnik joins us later to discuss how traditional guilds can potentially synergize with modern communication platforms like Piano Tech Radio Hour. We explore organizational dynamics within these contexts through anecdotes and personal insights.

Our community is not shy about approaching philosophical musings; this episode is no exception. Eathan demonstrates how seemingly insurmountable paradoxes lead to innovative answers. Using the example of a common visual illusion, we learn the incredible value of embracing contradictory truths. This theme extends into discussions around precision in piano tuning—a metaphor for craftsmanship requiring foresight and careful consideration.

In closing, we remember the profound influence of our co-host David Andersen. In addition to participating in PTRH, he left behind a legacy through poetry and music, always encouraging others to appreciate every moment deeply. In closing, we celebrate artistic expression by acknowledging creators like David and his wife, Tanya Ragir while enjoying tracks from David's band, Stung by the Gods. We honor those whose art continues to inspire long after their time.

Here’s a little bit about our contributors:

Carl Lieberman:

With decades under his belt as a professional piano technician, Carl has seen it all—from majestic concert halls to intimate jazz clubs. In post-pandemic and semi-retired life he focuses work on the best of his clients, including cruise ships, recording studios, and more. He meticulously cares for instruments and clients so they can continue to produce mellifluous music.

Dave Skolnik:

He's an active member of the PTG with years of experience in both traditional practices and embracing new technologies within the world of piano technology. Dave offers unique perspectives on adapting old-world crafts into today's digital landscape.

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:

• How to tune pianos.
• How to repair pianos.
• How to rebuild pianos.
• How to tune concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Instagram -Piano Technicians Masterclass (@pianotechmasterclass) 

FB - Piano Technicians Masterclasses | Facebook

Spotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

Our special guest for today is Sally Philips of Piano Perfect LLC. She’s world-renowned and a well-kept secret of the Piano Industry. In this interactive session, Sally talks about how to navigate some of the peculiar challenges of concert work and preparation, working for professional pianists. She also gives us an update on her professional trajectory and tells us what inspired it. 

Sally tells us about the time she had tuned four pianos at the same time and tells us what challenges to expect and how to prepare for them. Her prime tip: tune in the dark. She uncovers the relationship between light and heat that affects the tuning process. She also plays the recordings for some pianos in action after tuning and the importance of tuning in practice rooms. Sally says “Stability is the pay-day of tuning if you can make it hold”. 

If you would like to learn more about tuning for professional pianists for concert work, tune into this episode and learn through anecdotes of Sally’s experiences. 

Here’s a little bit about our guest Sally Phillips:

Over the past 40 years, Sally Phillips has worked in virtually every aspect of the piano industry: service, retail, wholesale, and manufacturing. She has tuned and prepared pianos for recordings and concerts in such venues as Town Hall in NYC, Alice Tully Hall, the Kennedy Center, and for the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, the BBC Concert Orchestra, and the Vienna Philharmonic. She's a 1976 graduate of North Bennet Street School. She has published articles for Piano Buyer, The American Organist, and the PTG Journal. Sally lives in Columbus, GA dealing in Steinway and other fine pianos as Piano Perfect, LLC.

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:

• How to tune pianos.
• How to repair pianos.
• How to rebuild pianos.
• How to tune concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pianotechmasterclass

FB - https://www.facebook.com/pianotechmasterclass

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1jiIJEA9pToGft6fdfZaxu

Christopher Brown joins us today, and he has mastered various skills like concert tuning, rebuilding, and teaching. He’s an engineer, piano designer, and producer. Chris believes that all piano technicians are somewhat gifted at math, and has been able to use high school algebra and geometry to create a model for the workings of a grand action. This helps him better understand what happens when you change the leverage in any of the three levers.

In this episode, Chris simplifies the geometry of the grand action and explains how it works. He uncovers his process of calculating the ratios, taking measurements, and building models to understand the build and working of pianos. He gives us interesting tips about the inner engineering of the pianos.

If you want to learn how to use math to understand pianos intuitively, this is the lecture for you. Tune in to hear Chris talk about how to solve problems with the knowledge of the internal workings of the pianos.

Here’s a little bit about our guest Chris Brown:

Chris Brown is a Registered Piano Technician of Grandwork Tools. He started his career as a piano technician in 1977. He is one of the leading piano technicians who master various skills like concert tuning, rebuilding, and teaching. He is also a college technician and private customer piano-care provider along with being a designer, engineer, and manufacturer.

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:

• How to tune pianos.
• How to repair pianos.
• How to rebuild pianos.
• How to tune concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Instagram -Piano Technicians Masterclass (@pianotechmasterclass) 

FB - Piano Technicians Masterclasses | Facebook

Spotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

In this episode, the great piano player, Chano Dominguez - the great piano player joins us and tells us all about his upcoming shows, his experience playing on stage, and why he does not like traveling for concerts. 

Chano talks about the piano he has been playing most, the technicalities of it, and the tuning process it has undergone. As a player, he tells us about the experience of playing on different kinds of tuned pianos and what he enjoys most. 

Chano shares his knowledge about the history of music and the evolution of its different forms like Jazz. Tune into this episode for a delightful conversation with Chano to learn about the piano from the player’s perspective and to hear him perform melodiously on it. 

Here’s a little bit about our guest Chano Dominguez :

Chano has three Grammy nominations and over 40 years of stage performance experience. As a native of Spain, his works are an ingenious and unique combination of jazz and flamenco music that never ceases to leave their mark on the minds of the audience. Along with his recording and performing career, he has also shared his expertise through seminars and masterclasses and taught at Juilliard, the Taller de Música in Barcelona, and other institutions.

Early in his career, he formed a Latin rock band, CAI. They released three albums for CBS. However, the band parted ways in 1981, and Chano took on a solo career. Since then, Chano has earned several accolades for his inexplicable works. His album Flamenco Sketches was highly critically acclaimed and in this album, he reinterpreted all five songs from Miles Davis’ ‘Kind of Blue,’ and more.

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:

• How to tune pianos.
• How to repair pianos.
• How to rebuild pianos.
• How to tune concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Instagram -Piano Technicians Masterclass (@pianotechmasterclass) 

FB - Piano Technicians Masterclasses | Facebook

Spotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

In today’s episode, Steve Brady, the most highly awarded piano technician in the Pacific North West a member of the PTG Hall of Fame. He knows what it takes to make the piano sound like the instrument of dreams and he’s here today to share that secret sauce with us. 

In this episode, Steve talks us through some common tools - but, chances are that you have not used them. Do you pre-coil the wire before putting it on the tuning pin? Great, but now you need to carry a dummy tuning pin and a tuning pin crank. Instead, you can use a brass rod cut to length with rounded edges and drill a hole through it. Now you have a multi-purpose tool that replaces the pre-coiled wire and the tuning pin.  You can tune pins, level keys and 

Was that tip helpful? This is just one of the many tools that Steve talks about in this episode. Tune in to learn more about this and other such tools to improve your tuning game! 

Here’s a little bit about our guest Steve Brady:

He’s an award-winning Piano Technician and a respected PTG veteran. Along with securing a place in the PTG Hall of Fame, he was awarded the PTG’s  “Golden Hammer Award,” one of the profession’s highest honors, for his contributions to the piano industry. He is the author of Under the Lid: The Art & Craft of the Concert Piano Technician. He resides in Seattle, Washington.

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:

• How to tune pianos.
• How to repair pianos.
• How to rebuild pianos.
• How to tune concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Instagram -Piano Technicians Masterclass (@pianotechmasterclass) 

FB - Piano Technicians Masterclasses | Facebook

Spotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify