For anyone in the Long Island, NY area interested in learning piano tuning and repair, I am available as a teacher.
Complete training in both fine tuning and pitch raising. A few different approaches and several tips for getting great results will be offered.
...but tuning is not enough. Pianos are complex mechanisms with thousands of parts and very often these parts break or fall out of adjustment, especially in older pianos. If you're considering learning piano tuning only, you won't get very far or be very well respected if you can't perform common repairs. Therefore, you will also learn:
...and many other repairs
Being able to replace parts is well and good, but you also need to know how to adjust the new parts that you install. Also, full regulation involves performing the 15 to 20 or so different adjustments on each to note make them all fire correctly and consistently with each other. It's a labor intensive project that can be very rewarding when an old piano is brought back to life and feels great to play. By learning repair and regulation, you'll gain a full understanding of the piano as a system.
In other words, you will learn all you need to know to go out as a confident and competent technician.
Many people think that musicianship is required to tune pianos, but most tuners are not musicians. Tuning is a scientific process, not a musical one. A musical background is certainly helpful, as you will need to know the names of notes (C, C#, D, etc.) and intervals (4ths, 5ths, octaves, etc.) and eventually you should know what they are supposed to sound like.
Obviously your hearing should be adequate. If you have experienced hearing loss, it may affect your ability to hear the necessary overtones. If you have normal hearing but think you're "tone deaf". It may well be but most people can be trained to hear.
However, the most critical requisite for entering this work is a mechanical aptitude. The piano mechanism is not so difficult to understand, but if you have never been one to understand "how things work", this work may not be for you. If you've done carpentry, computer programming, alarm installation, automotive repair, or any other activity that involves diagnosis/problem solving and repair, then you probably have what it takes to understand piano actions. It is also helpful, but not critical, if you're good at working with your hands.
Finally, you must view this as starting a business. As such, you'll need to take the long view, meaning that it will take time to build a clientele. You can't expect to makes tons of cash right away. But over time you will develop skills and a reputation that will provide you with a part- or full-time income well into your old age. Previous experience in business development will be very helpful too. Real go-getters in this field can eventually earn a salary in the high five- or low six-digits in the NY area. I can provide you with some ideas as to how to get started in building your own clientele. Keep in mind that these skills will provide you the the ability to earn money for the rest of your life. You need to consider this a business and, as with any business, there are start-up costs. The start-up costs for this business (mainly training and tools) are relatively low as compared with other businesses.
There are many books and videos available, but there is nothing like having a mentor working with you to strengthen your weaknesses and validate your progress. The type of teacher / student relationship offered here is open ended, meaning you can always reach out to ask questions, especially if you get into a jam. The time frame is open ended, meaning we can work through things until you fully understand them. Serious inquiries only. Call (not email) for pricing and more details.