Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I have my piano tuned?
A: At least once a year but, ideally, twice to 4 times a year in order to offset the impact of seasonal changes in humidity. Artist Piano Care will tune and service your piano on a regular schedule to keep it performing its best!
Q: Why won't my piano stay in tune?
A: Changes in humidity cause the wood in your piano to expand and contract throughout the seasons. This is the main reason your piano's tuning changes over the course of the year. Artist Piano Care will install a humidity control system in your piano to keep it in tune longer and prolong it's life!
Q: Does my piano require regular maintenance?
A: Yes. Your piano is among the most costly investments your family will make, following your home and your automobile. Sadly, many fine pianos suffer a lack of maintenance we would consider unacceptable for a house or a car. Artist Piano Care will tune, adjust and repair your piano, restoring its value and keeping it performance-ready!
Q: Why have my children lost interest in their piano lessons?
A: A poor sounding or difficult to play practice piano is the main reason. Give your child the best possible opportunity to excel at piano. Artist Piano Care will tune and adjust your children's practice piano for great sound and feel, restoring their love for music and their desire to play!
Q: Should I have my old piano fixed up or should I purchase new?
A: Many older pianos can be restored to match or even out-perform newer pianos.
Artist Piano Care will assess your piano to help you make the best decision.
Q: What is "aural" tuning and are you an "aural" tuner?
A: Aural tuning simply means tuning by ear, and yes, I tune by ear. Like the vast majority of qualified piano technicians I employ an electronic tuning aid. This technology helps to reduce ear fatigue, provides an unbiased second opinion as to tuning accuracy and tends to speed up the tuning process a little. Electronic tuning aids are not a replacement for aural tuning. They are only a technician's specialized tool. The final assessment of a quality tuning is always accomplished by aural tests.
Q: What is the PTG and what is an RPT?
A: The PTG is the Piano Technicians Guild. An RPT is a Registered Piano Technician, a designation of certain PTG members who have passed standardized exams in the areas of piano tuning, service and repair. An RPT designation indicates that a technician has been proven to possess a minimum competency level. There are many fine technicians who have not received the RPT designation and are not members of the PTG. I am a former associate member of the PTG. I remain a member in good standing of the Canadian Association of Piano Technicians (C.A.P.T.)