Wednesday Classes

Four all-day classes given in lecture or hands-on (skills) format, and three 1-1/2 hour classes tailored for the PTG Associate who is preparing for the PTG exams.

These Wednesday classes are available only to persons who have registered for the conference (Thursday through Saturday). We ask that you pre-register for the Wednesday classes so we will have an idea of how many people will be attending. No pre-registration is required for the “Introduction to the PTG … Exam” classes.

Updates and more detailed descriptions of the classes will appear here as they become available, so check back.

Two of the classes have a seat limit due to the hands-on nature of the classes. Pre-registering will help assure you of a place in these classes. If the seat limit is exceeded during pre-registration, early registrants will have priority. Lunch will not be provided on Wednesday as there are about 10 restaurants/fast-food establishments within walking distance of the hotel. The lunch break is from 12:00-1:30.

Conference registration info is available here. Please indicate your all-day class selection on the conference registration form.

Soundboards: From the Forest to the Concert Hall (all day)

THIS WEDNESDAY CLASS HAS BEEN CANCELLED

All-day seminar on soundboard design and construction presented by Delwin D. Fandrich, RPT. The Pacific Northwest Regional Conference of the Piano Technicians Guild proudly offers the premier Northwest presentation of this brand new class. Never before has one class been devoted solely to the purpose of examining the piano soundboard as a working, dynamic system. Aimed at piano technicians of all levels, attendees will be able to leave at the end of the day with a broad understanding of how soundboards do what they do to make beautiful music.

Grand Action Renovation (all day)

Note: 20 seat limit; pre-registration strongly recommended.

All-day seminar with Bob Marinelli, RPT, and Anne Garee, RPT. The seminar will provide a comprehensive guided tour through all aspectS of grand action renovation for both old and new instruments. Diagnosis, measurement, interpretation, and parts selection will be demonstrated and discussed. Participants will work in small supervised groups practicing techniques to establish and improve touch weight and dynamic response. If you ever wanted to do this type of work, this is the place to learn the essentials.

Tuning Exam Preparation – (all day)

Note: 16 seat limit; pre-registration strongly recommended.
CLASS DESCRIPTION HAS CHANGED

Associates will receive a ½ hour private tutoring session with a Certified Tuning Examiner. The ½-hour sessions will be scheduled during the Introduction to the PTG Tuning exam (Wednesday, 8:30-10:00AM); Associates must attend this class to sign up for tutoring. A maximum of 16 Associates will be scheduled. Pre-registration is advised.

Upright Wednesday (all day)

Spend all day, or any part, with Wally Brooks, RPT. The day is designed to build confidence with practical and profitable information for the service technician or rebuilder. The morning will be devoted to the construction and materials used in the structure, soundboard, action, keys, and case of the vertical piano. The afternoon presentation covers availability of Steinway and non-Steinway action parts, their installation, and regulation. The day concludes with a myriad of servicing and rebuilding topics applicable to upright service. Bring your questions!

Introduction to the PTG Tuning exam – 8:30-10:00AM
Introduction to the PTG Technical exam – 10:30AM-noon
Introduction to the PTG Written exam – 1:30-3:00PM

One-period (1-1/2 hour) lectures from members of the Exam & Test Standards Committee (TECs, and CTEs) who will walk you through the basic topics and presentation of the PTG exams. These classes are one of the best ways to reduce your anxiety and improve your efficiency in the exam environment. Pre-registration not required.