Alumni October 2014
by renneracademy | Dec 8, 2017
Trying to save his school district money on piano repairs led Thane Yennie into a new adventure that would become his life-long passion.
“As a public school music educator back in the 1980s, I wanted to save our school budget funds to be used for music and instruments, not to pay maintenance expenses for our pianos,” Yennie recalls. “So, I learned how to tune and repair the pianos.” Now the owner of Thane Yennie Piano Service, he finds enjoyment in meeting new clients and helping address problems they have with their pianos.
“I find satisfaction in hearing – and feeling – a difference in the pianos I service,” he says. Thane Yennie Piano Service is located at 12402 Cloud Mesa Dive in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He specializes in tuning, regulation, voicing and rebuilding of pianos.
Yennie is a graduate of the world-renowned Renner Academy, a division of Renner USA, headquartered in Carefree, Arizona. The week-long technical school is a comprehensive course designed for piano technicians who want to expand and perfect their knowledge in all areas of grand piano rebuilding and repair, including action replacement and regulation, advanced hammer selection and preparation, voicing, back action replacement, and damper regulation.
To learn more about his services, email Thane Yennie or call 307-871-8718.
Learning the business from the ground up is not only a familiar saying, but it is the path that Richard Woodruff followed in developing his own business, Woodruff Piano Repair, in Tucson, Arizona. Woodruff also serves as a technician with the University of Arizona.
“I began as a mover for a local piano store that operated a rebuilding shop,” Woodruff recalls. I learned the trade while working in the shop, when not moving pianos.” Woodruff acquired additional training over the years, most recently graduating from the world-renowned Renner Academy, a division of Renner USA, headquartered in Carefree, Arizona. The week-long technical school is a comprehensive course designed for piano technicians who want to expand and perfect their knowledge in all areas of grand piano rebuilding and repair, including action replacement and regulation, advanced hammer selection and preparation, voicing, back action replacement, and damper regulation.
“My satisfaction comes from seeing – and hearing – the result of good craftsmanship,” Woodruff says in describing his work in rebuilding pianos and performing related services.
Woodruff Piano Repair is located at 4155 East Kilmer Street and specializes in piano tuning, regulation and rebuilding. To learn more about his services, email Richard Woodruff or call 520-907-5573.
Robert Wilkinson knew early on that the field of music would be his career path. He pursued the more specific area of piano technology after graduating with a degree in music and apprenticing with a highly respected piano technician in Augusta, Georgia.
Now the manager of Instrument Services at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, Wilkinson says a primary love is working with his hands, as well as meeting new clients. Combined with his love of the complex instrument itself, “it was a perfect career match,” he says.
“I love the continuing learning process,” Wilkinson explains. Grand pianos, with their 12,000-plus parts, can present quite a challenge. “Each piano, each action part, and each pianist is different,” he notes. “Working out the best formula for making each piano the best it can be is extremely satisfying.”
Wilkinson is a graduate of the world-renowned Renner Academy, a division of Renner USA, headquartered in Carefree, Arizona. The week-long technical school is a comprehensive course designed for piano technicians who want to expand and perfect their knowledge in all areas of grand piano rebuilding and repair, including action replacement and regulation, advanced hammer selection and preparation, voicing, back action replacement, and damper regulation.
Robert specializes in concert voicing, piano tuning, regulation, and action reconditioning. To learn more about his services, email Robert Wilkinson or call 706-945-4496.
It was his apprenticeship for three years with a highly experienced piano technician that inspired Stephen Wallace to pursue a career in piano technology, serving MidCoast Maine.
“I loved the work,” Wallace explains, “and I love the variety each day brings.” He enjoys meeting new clients, “and especially learning about their musical interests,” he adds. “I love tuning for folks whose kids are learning the piano. And I love restoring a poorly performing piano back to its original excellence.”
Wallace is a graduate of the world-renowned Renner Academy, a division of Renner USA, headquartered in Carefree, Arizona. The week-long technical school is a comprehensive course designed for piano technicians who want to expand and perfect their knowledge in all areas of grand piano rebuilding and repair, including action replacement and regulation, advanced hammer selection and preparation, voicing, back action replacement, and damper regulation.
Wallace Piano Service, 40 Warren Street, specializes in piano tuning, voicing, regulation, repair, rebuilding, and appraisals. To learn more about his services, email Stephen Wallace, visit his website at Wallace Piano Service, or call 207-380-4235.
Her positive experience at a highly respected private vocational school in Boston motivated Christina Scroggins to pursue a career in piano technology, founding her own business, Scroggins Piano Service, which serves the San Francisco Bay area in California.
“I got interested in piano work due to my love of music and mechanics,” Scroggins recalls. “I was lucky enough to go to North Bennet Street School in Boston, where I fell in love with piano work – and I have been doing it ever since!”
Her passion is restoring life to an instrument so that the pianist can express their music with no issues, as she explains it. “I enjoy working with people and getting to see the many different pianos.”
Scroggins is a graduate of the world-renowned Renner Academy, a division of Renner USA, headquartered in Carefree, Arizona. The week-long technical school is a comprehensive course designed for piano technicians who want to expand and perfect their knowledge in all areas of grand piano rebuilding and repair, including action replacement and regulation, advanced hammer selection and preparation, voicing, back action replacement, and damper regulation.
To learn more about her services, email Christina Scroggins or call 209-485-2730.
Earning money for Arabic language studies motivated Jared Rowles to pursue piano technology studies as a high school homeschool student years ago. Today, his career and his piano tuning and repair business have blossomed, enabling him not only to provide for his family but to serve his community as well.
Located in Providence, Utah, JR Piano Tuning specializes not only in piano tuning but also in cleaning, repairs, regulation, and voicing.
“I love getting to know my clients as I work on their pianos,” Rowles says. “Seeing the excitement as their piano improves in sound, responsiveness, and musicality is the most rewarding part of my work.”
Rowles is a graduate of the world-renowned Renner Academy, a division of Renner USA, headquartered in Carefree, Arizona. The week-long technical school is a comprehensive course designed for piano technicians who want to expand and perfect their knowledge in all areas of grand piano rebuilding and repair, including action replacement and regulation, advanced hammer selection and preparation, voicing, back action replacement, and damper regulation.
To learn more about his services, email Jared Rowles or call 801-928-9693.
Growing up with many pianos as a child, Will Roper was encouraged by his parents to learn how to tune them. That encouragement influenced Roper over the years to pursue a career as a basic piano instructor at North Bennet Street School in Boston, Massachusetts. Today, he specializes in trade school education and offers his expertise to other piano owners.
“Servicing client pianos is endlessly rewarding and valuable work,” Roper says. “I love giving someone back the ability to make great music on an instrument that has been lost over time,” he adds.
Roper is a graduate of the world-renowned Renner Academy, a division of Renner USA, headquartered in Carefree, Arizona. The week-long technical school is a comprehensive course designed for piano technicians who want to expand and perfect their knowledge in all areas of grand piano rebuilding and repair, including action replacement and regulation, advanced hammer selection and preparation, voicing, back action replacement, and damper regulation.
To learn more about his services, email Will Roper or call 908-463-2406.
Pianos have always fascinated Scott Reitz, owner of Scott Reitz Piano Service and a registered piano technician serving Los Angeles, California, and surrounding areas.
“I enjoy problem-solving and helping customers realize the full potential of their instruments,” Reitz says of his work. He attended the prestigious North Bennet Street School, a private vocational school in Boston.
Reitz is a graduate of the world-renowned Renner Academy, a division of Renner USA, headquartered in Carefree, Arizona. The week-long technical school is a comprehensive course designed for piano technicians who want to expand and perfect their knowledge in all areas of grand piano rebuilding and repair, including action replacement and regulation, advanced hammer selection and preparation, voicing, back action replacement, and damper regulation.
To learn more about his services, email Scott Reitz or call 213-952-6777.
A love for music – and a need to develop income – combined to compel Will Lauzon to pursue a career in piano technology, a decision he has never regretted. “I wanted a job that would involve music in some way – one that would facilitate my ability to write and perform music without relying on writing or performance to earn a living,” Lauzon says.
“I primarily love working with my hands,” says Lauzon, a piano technician serving Hackettstown and surrounding areas in New Jersey. “I like dialing in the fine details,” Lauzon says of his work bringing pianos back to life. “Pairing that work with music – and helping people – that makes this profession pure joy.”
Lauzon is a graduate of the world-renowned Renner Academy, a division of Renner USA, headquartered in Carefree, Arizona. The week-long technical school is a comprehensive course designed for piano technicians who want to expand and perfect their knowledge in all areas of grand piano rebuilding and repair, including action replacement and regulation, advanced hammer selection and preparation, voicing, back action replacement, and damper regulation.
Lauzon specializes in piano tuning, repairs, and rebuilding actions. To learn more about his services, email William Lauzon or call 201-638-6517201-638-6517.
An expert guitar luthier and owner of a guitar restoration business, Eddie Paik always was fascinated with the intricacies of piano technology – maintaining, repairing and rebuilding pianos with some 12,000-plus parts.
“I operated a very successful guitar business but was eager to expand and branch into the piano technology arena,” Paik says. “I started piano tuning, but my fascination with the instrument led me deeper into training and eventually providing advanced repair services. I eventually made the decision to move the business into only servicing pianos.”
His wife, a professional pianist, partners with him in the business. Paik’s Piano House, 3886 Waythorn Place in Fairfax, Virginia, specializes in piano tuning and a wide range of piano repairs, as well as providing accompaniment services.
Paik is a graduate of the world-renowned Renner Academy, a division of Renner USA, headquartered in Carefree, Arizona. The week-long technical school is a comprehensive course designed for piano technicians who want to expand and perfect their knowledge in all areas of grand piano rebuilding and repair, including action replacement and regulation, advanced hammer selection and preparation, voicing, back action replacement, and damper regulation.
To learn more about his services, email Eddie Paik or call 703-509-8765.
It is not often that a concert pianist also knows how to repair and rebuild the instrument, but that is the story of Yoahn John Kwon, an independent piano technician in Hoffman Estates, Illinois.
A career concert pianist, Kwon has performed on some of the finest grand pianos, stimulating his interest in knowing more about the intricacies of the instrument. “I have always been captivated by the history of keyboard instruments such as the harpsichord and pipe organ, and I have a keen interest in pianos that the great composers played or owned,” Kwon says. “Restoring and caring for old and neglected pianos only adds to this profound joy, making each encounter a unique and fulfilling experience. Witnessing the smiles and appreciation from schools, churches, and piano owners has been incredibly rewarding.”
Kwon is a graduate of the world-renowned Renner Academy, a division of Renner USA, headquartered in Carefree, Arizona. The week-long technical school is a comprehensive course designed for piano technicians who want to expand and perfect their knowledge in all areas of grand piano rebuilding and repair, including action replacement and regulation, advanced hammer selection and preparation, voicing, back action replacement, and damper regulation.
To learn more about his services, email John Kwon or call 224-567-0584.
It was the encouragement from a well-known piano technician to become a piano tuner that eventually motivated Steven J. Hopp to develop his own business, Piano Works Gallery & Clocks in Midland, Texas.
“I love the piano and piano music,” says Hopp, who is a gifted pianist in his own right. “Knowing how the piano functions and how to make it as good as possible – and get paid to do it – is very satisfying,” says Hopp.
Hopp is a graduate of the world-renowned Renner Academy, a division of Renner USA, headquartered in Carefree, Arizona. The week-long technical school is a comprehensive course designed for piano technicians who want to expand and perfect their knowledge in all areas of grand piano rebuilding and repair, including action replacement and regulation, advanced hammer selection and preparation, voicing, back action replacement, and damper regulation.
Piano Works Gallery & Clocks is located at 1019 North Midkiff Road and specializes in piano tuning, restoration, and sales. To learn more about his services, email Steven Hopp or call 432-770-7473.
The transition from the corporate world to the piano technology field was an easy decision for Paul Gates, owner of Gates Piano Service in Davis County, Utah.
“As a vocal performance major in college, I began tuning pianos as a way of self-preservation,” Gates recalls. “When performing, I never knew in advance the condition of the accompanying instruments in the different settings,” he explains. “So, learning to tune the pianos myself gave me the peace of mind of knowing the instrument would at least perform well. I also liked not having to work around a 9-to-5 job schedule but still be able to make sufficient income to support myself.”
After entering the corporate world, Gates soon realized it was not a good fit for his hopes and aspirations – his place was in the music industry. “What I enjoy most about my chosen profession is the interaction with my clientele,” Gates notes. “For the most part, we have a mutual love for the beauty that music can bring into our lives. For many, the piano is an extension of the family. To be able to enhance their musical enjoyment through proper care and maintenance is a wonder privilege. Seeing the joy that radiates from them as they sit down and play their revitalized piano is a real treat!”
Gates is a graduate of the world-renowned Renner Academy, a division of Renner USA, headquartered in Carefree, Arizona. The week-long technical school is a comprehensive course designed for piano technicians who want to expand and perfect their knowledge in all areas of grand piano rebuilding and repair, including action replacement and regulation, advanced hammer selection and preparation, voicing, back action replacement, and damper regulation.
Gates Piano Service, providing top care and maintenance in South Davis County and beyond, specializes in piano tuning, voicing, regulation, and action rebuilding. To learn more about his services, email Paul Gates or call 801-298-0739.
In 1978, while studying piano in college, Kayoko “Kay” Forrest was offered a job at one of the best-regarded piano stores in the country, David L. Abell fine pianos. He employed some of the finest piano technicians in Southern California. This opened a path for her to train with mentors and teachers. “He was the consummate piano man,” Forrest says of her training, recalling his passion for excellent customer service.
For more than 25 years as an independent piano technician serving Santa Monica, California, and surrounding areas, Forrest finds satisfaction “in helping pianists make music by improving their instrument. With proper service, including tuning, regulation and voicing, a piano can often be transformed so that the feel is more responsive and the sound is more powerful.” She has continued to follow her passion for excellence with frequent visits to piano manufacturers, both at home and abroad.
Forrest is a graduate of the world-renowned Renner Academy, a division of Renner USA, headquartered in Carefree, Arizona. The week-long technical school is a comprehensive course designed for piano technicians who want to expand and perfect their knowledge in all areas of grand piano rebuilding and repair, including action replacement and regulation, advanced hammer selection and preparation, voicing, back action replacement, and damper regulation.
To learn more about his services, email Kay Forrest or call 310-980-6543.
From chemistry to the piano business – quite a journey for Bradley Evans, owner of Lynn Evans Piano Service in Taylorsville, Mississippi.
“I grew up in the piano business working under my father,” Evans recalls. “I went on to college to become a chemist. While there, I developed a strong desire to eventually work for myself, and that is when I decided that I wanted to continue on with my father’s successful business and eventually carry on with his legacy.”
What brings the greatest satisfaction? “It brings me great joy to bring these old, worn out and forgotten pianos back to life for future generations to enjoy,” he says. “I love being able to work with my hands and problem-solve complex issues.”
Evans is a graduate of the world-renowned Renner Academy, a division of Renner USA, headquartered in Carefree, Arizona. The week-long technical school is a comprehensive course designed for piano technicians who want to expand and perfect their knowledge in all areas of grand piano rebuilding and repair, including action replacement and regulation, advanced hammer selection and preparation, voicing, back action replacement, and damper regulation.
Lynn Evans Piano Service is located at 1082 Scr 3 and specializes in piano tuning, moving, and complete restorations. To learn more about his services, email Bradley Evans or call 601-729-2823.
Tuning and fixing pianos proved more interesting than just selling them, says Gregory Davidson, in explaining why he founded Topaz Pianos in Victoria, BC.
“I enjoy trouble-shooting,” Davidson says, “and solving problems for unhappy piano owners.” He also enjoys the challenge of orchestrating complicated and seemingly impossible piano-moving situations.
Davidson is a graduate of the world-renowned Renner Academy, a division of Renner USA, headquartered in Carefree, Arizona. The week-long technical school is a comprehensive course designed for piano technicians who want to expand and perfect their knowledge in all areas of grand piano rebuilding and repair, including action replacement and regulation, advanced hammer selection and preparation, voicing, back action replacement, and damper regulation.
Topaz Pianos, 2841 Graham Street, specializes in piano tuning, regulation, and repairs. To learn more about his services, email Gregory Davidson or call 250-383-6478.
A family that valued musical talent and a hands-on work ethic influenced Dana Christensen at a young age to eventually pursue formal musical education which led to establishing her own business, Pianos by Dana, located in Bend, Oregon.
“Coming from a musical family and one that valued hands-on work, I pursued the Piano Technology Training at the North Bennet Street School in Boston and quickly developed a wonderful and devoted clientele,” says Christensen. “I love when a client says, ‘I didn’t know that my piano could sound or feel like this,’” she adds. “Being able to assist people in the full expression of their musical ideas is invaluable as a technician.”
Christensen is a graduate of the world-renowned Renner Academy, a division of Renner USA, headquartered in Carefree, Arizona. The week-long technical school is a comprehensive course designed for piano technicians who want to expand and perfect their knowledge in all areas of grand piano rebuilding and repair, including action replacement and regulation, advanced hammer selection and preparation, voicing, back action replacement, and damper regulation.
Pianos by Dana services pianos in the Central Oregon region. They specialize in piano tuning, regulation, voicing, and action and key refurbishing, repair and replacement. To learn more about their services, visit the Pianos by Dana website, email Dana Christensen or call/text 617-448-5277.
McKinley Corbley is a shop and field technician at Piano Craft, a dealership in Gaithersburg, Maryland, specializing in higher-end piano sales and rebuilding.
Corbley is a graduate of the world-renowned Renner Academy, a division of Renner USA, headquartered in Carefree, Arizona. The week-long technical school is a comprehensive course designed for piano technicians who want to expand and perfect their knowledge in all areas of grand piano rebuilding and repair, including action replacement and regulation, advanced hammer selection and preparation, voicing, back action replacement, and damper regulation.
To learn more about Piano Craft’s services, visit the Piano Craft website or call 888-840-5460.
Growing up with pianos left an indelible mark on Tim Anderson, who today serves as lead technician with Tim’s Tuning in Woodstock, Georgia.
“I have been an avid pianist since age seven,” Anderson explains. “And having grown up with pianos, I have encountered so many of them that were in desperate need of maintenance and repairs. I love to make a piano play its best – and problem-solve to fix all of the issues preventing it from performing at its finest. I love making good music and helping others do the same.”
Anderson is a graduate of the world-renowned Renner Academy, a division of Renner USA, headquartered in Carefree, Arizona. The week-long technical school is a comprehensive course designed for piano technicians who want to expand and perfect their knowledge in all areas of grand piano rebuilding and repair, including action replacement and regulation, advanced hammer selection and preparation, voicing, back action replacement, and damper regulation.
Tim’s Tuning LLC, 403 Doris Drive, specializes in piano tuning, repair, rebuilding, and restoration. To learn more about his services, email Tim Anderson or call 772-919-2592.
Matt Brown grew up in his father’s rebuilding shop. At seven years old, he began learning the trade and found his life’s calling in the process. Now the owner of Matt Brown Piano in Mesa, Arizona, he specializes in piano tuning, regulation, minor repairs, and complete piano restorations.
“I really enjoy bringing a piano back to life” Brown says.
Brown is a graduate of the world-renowned Renner Academy, a division of Renner USA, headquartered in Carefree, Arizona. The week-long technical school is a comprehensive course designed for piano technicians who want to expand and perfect their knowledge in all areas of grand piano rebuilding and repair, including action replacement and regulation, advanced hammer selection and preparation, voicing, back action replacement, and damper regulation.
To learn more about his services, visit the Matt Brown Piano website, email Matt Brown or call 480-236-7145.
Physics, creativity, and a love for hands-on work are the key ingredients behind the success of Ivory 52, a piano business founded by Amanda Casanova, serving Hudson, Wisconsin, and surrounding areas.
“My physics background, coupled with a passion for playing the piano and my life-long love of working with my hands, led me to pursue a career in piano technology,” Casanova says. “I enjoy optimizing the tone and mechanical response of the piano to enhance the music-making experience,” she adds. “My goal is to eliminate any distractions or frustration that might detract from the enjoyment of playing. I want people to love playing their piano.”
Ivory 52, located at 857 Daisy Circle, specializes in piano tuning, regulation, voicing, case repairs, and humidity control systems.
Casanova is a graduate of the world-renowned Renner Academy, a division of Renner USA, headquartered in Carefree, Arizona. The week-long technical school is a comprehensive course designed for piano technicians who want to expand and perfect their knowledge in all areas of grand piano rebuilding and repair, including action replacement and regulation, advanced hammer selection and preparation, voicing, back action replacement, and damper regulation.
To learn more about her services, email Amanda Casanova or call 715-245-9041.
When she was young, Ashley Blaha was fascinated by watching the piano tuner work on her family’s piano. She started learning more and ever since, piano technology has been a life-long passion. She now has her own business, The Artful Key, in McKinney, Texas, that serves the larger Dallas area.
“From a family of musicians, I’ve always played the piano, and at some point, I just started watching the piano tuner to learn how it was done,” she explains. “I was inspired early on to become a piano technician and help pianists love their pianos.”
Reworking a piano to sound its best is a primary motivator, bringing meaning to the work she does. “Helping pianists enjoy their piano through tuning and regular maintenance is my favorite,” she adds, “while also helping them play at their highest level of excellence.”
Blaha is a graduate of the world-renowned Renner Academy, a division of Renner USA, headquartered in Carefree, Arizona. The week-long technical school is a comprehensive course designed for piano technicians who want to expand and perfect their knowledge in all areas of grand piano rebuilding and repair, including action replacement and regulation, advanced hammer selection and preparation, voicing, back action replacement, and damper regulation.
To learn more about her services, visit The Artful Key website, email Ashley Blaha or call 972-440-0148.
Jason Cassel
While a university student studying music, Jason Cassel realized that he would need to think long-term about how he would make a living in that field. Fortunately, it was then that he discovered the university’s piano shop, where he was hired as a student apprentice.
That set the stage for what would eventually become a lifetime pursuit. Cassel currently serves as a registered piano technician for the Brigham Young University School of Music. He graduated with his MA in Piano Technology from Florida State University and earned his BM in Commercial Music from BYU. Jason also has served as a Senior Piano Technician for the Aspen Music Festival.
Cassel is a graduate of the world-renowned Renner Academy, a division of Renner USA, headquartered in Carefree, Arizona. The week-long technical school is a comprehensive course designed for piano technicians who want to expand and perfect their knowledge in all areas of grand piano rebuilding and repair, including action replacement and regulation, advanced hammer selection and preparation, voicing, back action replacement, and damper regulation.
Cassel also owns JC Piano Services in Provo, Utah, offering a wide range of services from full piano tuning to basic repairs, cleaning, pedal regulation, action regulation and voicing. Harpsichord tuning, repairs, regulation and voicing are also available.
To learn more about JC Piano Services, visit the JC Piano Services website, email Jason Cassel, or call 801-368-2964.
James Fernandez
It was a midlife career change that took James Fernandez to Lindeblad Piano Restoration in Dover, New Jersey. He says it was the opportunity to work with the well-respected Lindeblad Piano family that drew him in.
An experienced piano technician, Fernandez has continued honing his skills, most recently graduating from the world-renowned Renner Academy, a division of Renner USA, headquartered in Carefree, Arizona. The week-long technical school is a comprehensive course designed for piano technicians who want to expand and perfect their knowledge in all areas of grand piano rebuilding and repair, including action replacement and regulation, advanced hammer selection and preparation, voicing, back action replacement, and damper regulation.
“Every day is another chance to improve another amazing instrument,” Fernandez observes. “I know when I’ve given a piano my best, and that is what motivates me.” He also was influenced in his career choice by the reputation of the Lindeblad company, which focuses on rebuilding and restoring world-class instruments.
To learn more about the company, visit the Lindeblad Piano Restoration website, email James Fernandez, or call 888-587-4266.
José Cabrera
It was an old piano given to him by his mother that sparked José Cabrera’s interest in pursuing a career as a piano technician. “She gave me the piano while I was at the conservatory,” he says. “But since we couldn’t afford to have it fixed, I enrolled in a piano technology class at the conservatory so that I could learn how to fix it myself.” And as they say, the rest is history. It was then that he discovered his passion for restoring pianos to their original glory.
As an independent piano technician serving Pleasant Grove, Utah, Cabrera specializes in piano tuning, action regulation, voicing, repairs, and piano performances. He continues his educational pursuits, most recently graduating from the world-renowned Renner Academy, a division of Renner USA, headquartered in Carefree, Arizona. The week-long technical school is a comprehensive course designed for piano technicians who want to expand and perfect their knowledge in all areas of grand piano rebuilding and repair, including action replacement and regulation, advanced hammer selection and preparation, voicing, back action replacement, and damper regulation.
What brings him the greatest joy in his work? “I enjoy bringing a piano to its highest level, to be able to perform at the very best of its capacity!”
To learn more about Cabrera and his services, email José Cabrera or call 801-376-2957.
Scott Burns
Curiosity may not be good for cats, but it proved golden for Scott Burns, a piano technician in Helotes, Texas, whose curiosity about pianos ended up as a life-long career for him.
“I absolutely love pianos,” he says, “and I am amazed at the complexity of their workings and evolutionary development over the past 300 years.”
It is that innate desire to delve deeper that took him from an apprentice piano tuner to scouring field service manuals and recently prompted him to complete the world-renowned Renner Academy, a division of Renner USA, headquartered in Carefree, Arizona. The week-long technical school is a comprehensive course designed for piano technicians who want to expand and perfect their knowledge in all areas of grand piano rebuilding and repair, including action replacement and regulation, advanced hammer selection and preparation, voicing, back action replacement, and damper regulation.
His passionate approach to each piano stems in part from his love of praise music. “I think of each piano as an opportunity to worship Christ,” he says. He also finds great joy in providing a good, quality instrument for the benefit of other musicians and students.
Burns specializes in piano tuning, repairs, and action regulation. To learn more about Burns and his services, email Scott Burns or call 210-563-3511.
Akane Behren
Akane Behrens is a piano technician associated with Behrens Klavier Service, located at 319 W. Webster Road in Royal Oak, Michigan. The business specializes in home piano tuning and repairs.
Behrens got into the piano technician work out of a sense of necessity. “I bought a rebuilt piano and had a lot of problems,” she recalls. Lacking trust in the technician, she decided to learn the trade and do the work herself – and do it correctly. She says the most enjoyable part of her work is repairing pianos.
Behrens is a graduate of the world-renowned Renner Academy, a division of Renner USA, headquartered in Carefree, Arizona. The week-long technical school is a comprehensive course designed for piano technicians who want to expand and perfect their knowledge in all areas of grand piano rebuilding and repair, including action replacement and regulation, advanced hammer selection and preparation, voicing, back action replacement, and damper regulation.
To learn more about her services, email Akane Behrens or call 248-739-0013.
Lin Bai
A sensitivity to vibration and a love for playing the piano played a role in guiding Lin Bai to pursue a career as a piano technician and ultimately become involved with Golden Lark Led in North York, Ontario, Canada.
“When I was a little girl, I was always interested in watching piano technicians come to tune our piano,” Bai explains. “So, after graduating from high school, I decided to study piano tuning. Bai continues her training and educational pursuits, most recently graduating from the world-renowned Renner Academy, a division of Renner USA, headquartered in Carefree, Arizona. The week-long technical school is a comprehensive course designed for piano technicians who want to expand and perfect their knowledge in all areas of grand piano rebuilding and repair, including action replacement and regulation, advanced hammer selection and preparation, voicing, back action replacement, and damper regulation.
“Every piano is different,” Bai points out. “I really enjoy the satisfaction after tuning or solving a problem for a particular piano. When I work with a piano, I love the feeling of just me and the piano – being quiet and focused.”
Golden Lark Led specializes in piano tuning, action regulation, and rebuilding, as well as teaching tuning and technology.
To learn more about Bai and her services, email Lin Bai or call 416-655-3377.
Bobby Avey
So, how does a professional jazz pianist transition into a role as chief concert technician at the renowned Lindeblad Piano Restoration in Hackettstown, New Jersey? Ask Bobby Avey, who said it was curiosity about the piano and its complexities that led him to apprentice with the head technician at his conservatory.
“The more I learned, the more I was hooked,” Avey says. His work includes piano tuning, voicing, action regulation, and repairs. “I enjoy how challenging this work can be, as well as the extent to which the piano can be transformed as a result of this work.”
Avey notes that Lindeblad Piano Restoration has restored the finest pianos for more than 100 years, serving customers from individual owners to concert pianists, universities and colleges, and Grammy Award-winning musicians. The business specializes in carefully restoring, repairing, refinishing, moving, and providing secure storage. They offer piano pickup and delivery anywhere in the world.
Avey apprenticed with Jerry Mitkowski. He also is a graduate of the world-renowned Renner Academy, a division of Renner USA, headquartered in Carefree, Arizona. The week-long technical school is a comprehensive course designed for piano technicians who want to expand and perfect their knowledge in all areas of grand piano rebuilding and repair, including action replacement and regulation, advanced hammer selection and preparation, voicing, back action replacement, and damper regulation.
To learn more about Lindeblad and the services they offer, visit the Lindeblad Piano Restoration website or call 888-587-4266. To contact Avey for private piano work, email
Calvin Wong
It was a fascination with the piano since age five that ultimately landed Calvin Wong on the campus of the University of Alberta and the Department of Music in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, where he serves as a piano technician.
As a young burgeoning pianist, Wong studied both classical and jazz idioms. He also apprenticed with local piano technicians who operated a busy piano rebuilding shop and dealership. He has continued his educational pursuits, most recently graduating from the world-renowned Renner Academy, a division of Renner USA, headquartered in Carefree, Arizona.
“I enjoy the technical aspects of the piano,” Wong says. “I like problem-solving and finding solutions. I like helping pianists by providing the kind of quality instrument that complements their creative needs.”
In addition to his work in the university music department, he also runs a tuning business, Keyboard Craft Piano Tuning and Service, that serves the Edmonton area.
To learn more about Wong and his services, email Calvin Wong.
Christopher Vesenka
The pandemic had its downsides, but for Christopher Vesenka, it proved to be the silver lining on the cloud, providing him with an opportunity to change his career path. “My uncle offered to teach me the piano technician business, and as they say, the rest is history.”
Vesenka serves as a piano technician with Hamilton Piano Company, 1656 S Congress Avenue in West Palm Beach, Florida. He specializes in piano tuning, cleaning, action regulation and rebuilding, voicing, and player system installations.
He also has continued his educational pursuits, most recently graduating from the world-renowned Renner Academy, a division of Renner USA, headquartered in Carefree, Arizona. The week-long technical school is a comprehensive course designed for piano technicians who want to expand and perfect their knowledge in all areas of grand piano rebuilding and repair, including action replacement and regulation, advanced hammer selection and preparation, voicing, back action replacement, and damper regulation.
“Each piano is a puzzle requiring a unique solution,” Vesenka says. “I love solving these puzzles and helping clients see their favorite instrument reach its highest potential.”
To learn more about the company, visit the Hamilton Piano Company website, email Christopher Vesenka, or call 561-965-8090.
Mark Thurner
Mark Thurner’s passion for music and a fascination with acoustics provided the springboard for Harmony Piano Tuning in Los Angeles, California.
“I loved acoustics in college,” Thurner explains, noting that as a singer and pianist, it seemed like a natural fit to combine those interest areas into a life-long business pursuit. “I’m passionate about music, and I love helping people make it,” he adds.
Thurner specializes in piano tuning, cleaning, action regulation and repairs. He also works with stuck keys and humidity control installations.
“I love taking the chaos of an out-of-tune piano and creating harmony,” Thurner says. “I also love the puzzle-solving nature of my work, as well as the reward of helping people achieve their musical dreams.” Thurner especially enjoys working with older – even broken – pianos and reclaiming their beautiful sounds.
Thurner is a graduate of the world-renowned Renner Academy, a division of Renner USA, headquartered in Carefree, Arizona. The week-long technical school is a comprehensive course designed for piano technicians who want to expand and perfect their knowledge in all areas of grand piano rebuilding and repair, including action replacement and regulation, advanced hammer selection and preparation, voicing, back action replacement, and damper regulation.
To learn more about Thurner and his services, visit the Harmony Piano Tuning website, email Mark Thurner, or call him at 323-250-8863.
Michael Stilwell
Billed as Arizona’s largest used piano store, Stilwell Pianos offers a wide array of services, specializing in the refurbishing of pre-owned instruments that are recreated to sound as good as new. They are located at 1941 W Guadalupe Road #115 in Mesa, Arizona.
“Let’s face it, buying used saves thousands,” says Michael Stilwell. “We make ‘used’ look, sound and play like ‘new’ without the price tag.” That commitment to preowned quality is underscored by the fact that the business does not sell new piano brands. “We don’t sell any new brands, so we are the epitome of unbiased piano technicians! We buy and sell what we like, not what our supplier says we have to push this month,” the website explains.
That commitment to excellence also drives the company’s Piano Technician Academy, considered the largest piano tuning school in the country. In addition to piano sales and education, Stilwell Pianos specializes in piano rebuilding.
Stilwell is a graduate of the world-renowned Renner Academy, a division of Renner USA, headquartered in Carefree, Arizona. The week-long technical school is a comprehensive course designed for piano technicians who want to expand and perfect their knowledge in all areas of grand piano rebuilding and repair, including action replacement and regulation, advanced hammer selection and preparation, voicing, back action replacement, and damper regulation.
To learn more about Stilwell Pianos and their services, visit the Stilwell Pianos website, email Michael Stilwell, or call 480-207-6645.
Luke Shanks
A piano teacher’s advice proved instrumental in shaping Luke Shank’s future. “My piano teacher told me I had musical talent and was good with my hands,” he recalls, instilling a sense of confidence and helping focus his interest in those two areas.
He sought out a friend from his church for advice, who was a piano technician. “He offered to train me and give me his business because he was moving out of state,” Shanks says. “This opportunity was an answer to my prayers.”
Now the owner of Professional Piano Services in San Luis Obispo, California, Shanks says that early passion has culminated in the perfect marriage of musical, technical, and business skills. He specializes in piano tuning, repairs, regulation and voicing.
“I enjoy going into a customer’s home and making a difference with their piano so they can really enjoy playing again,” Shanks says. “I always try to do my best for God’s glory.”
Shanks is a graduate of the world-renowned Renner Academy, a division of Renner USA, headquartered in Carefree, Arizona. The week-long technical school is a comprehensive course designed for piano technicians who want to expand and perfect their knowledge in all grand piano rebuilding and repair areas, including action replacement and regulation, advanced hammer selection and preparation, voicing back action replacement, and damper regulation.
To learn more about Shanks and his services, visit the Professional Piano Services website, email Luke Shanks, or call him at 805-315-8050.
Aaron Reyburn
After his honorable discharge from the United States Marine Corps, Aaron Reyburn joined his father in the family business, Reyburn Pianoworks, 4625 14 Mile Road NW in Rockford, Michigan.
The company specializes in keytop recovery action restoration and replacement, as well as fabricating custom precision retrofit keysets in support of the piano rebuilding and restoration industry.
Reyburn says he was drawn to this area of work because of the craftsmanship required, along with woodworking, computer-aided design and operations involved in fabricating new keysets.
Reyburn is a graduate of the world-renowned Renner Academy, a division of Renner USA, headquartered in Carefree, Arizona. The week-long technical school is a comprehensive course designed for piano technicians who want to expand and perfect their knowledge in all areas of grand piano rebuilding and repair, including action replacement and regulation, advanced hammer selection and preparation, voicing, back action replacement, and damper regulation.
To learn more about the company, visit the Reyburn Pianoworks website, email Aaron Reyburn, or call 616-263-7090.
Jude Reveley
When listening to Jude Reveley talk about restoring vintage pianos, you quickly realize you are talking with someone who is passionate about his work. As the owner of Absolute Piano Restoration, 171 Lincoln Street in Lowell, Massachusetts, Reveley is intensely focused on restoring an instrument as closely to its original design as possible while at the same time ensuring the highest quality performance possible.
“The process begins with a thorough examination and analysis of the original design – nothing is assumed nor taken for granted,” Reveley says. “Careful measurements are entered into custom programs that help us understand the intention of the original makers. We then work with our clients to achieve a desired outcome, relying on both the mastery of traditional techniques and an understanding of piano design and innovation to reach this goal.”
The company specializes in complete piano remanufacturing and service while also supplying belly components for the piano industry. They also have a small collection of extraordinary vintage pianos that they rebuild on commission or as time permits. In addition, they have contacts worldwide to find any piano in any style that can be meticulously restored to the customer’s specification.
Reveley is a graduate of the world-renowned Renner Academy, a division of Renner USA, headquartered in Carefree, Arizona. The week-long technical school is a comprehensive course designed for piano technicians who want to expand and perfect their knowledge in all grand piano rebuilding and repair areas, including action replacement and regulation, advanced hammer selection and preparation, voicing back action replacement, and damper regulation.
To learn more about the company, visit the Absolute Piano Restoration website, email Jude Reveley, or call 978-323-4545.
Sofia de la Peña
At age six, Sofia de la Peña was fascinated as she watched a piano technician tune the piano in their home. It was a fascination that would stay with her for life.
“I didn’t want to go into performance or teaching,” de la Peña says. That early age experience may have influenced her eventual interest in the technical aspects of the piano, which ultimately led her to establish Sofia’s Piano Service in Burke, Virginia.
The business specializes in piano tuning, action regulation, repairs, voicing, cleaning, and pitch correction, as well as concert work and pre-purchase inspections.
De la Peña attended North Bennet Street School and is a graduate of the world-renowned Renner Academy, a division of Renner USA, headquartered in Carefree, Arizona. The week-long technical school is a comprehensive course designed for piano technicians who want to expand and perfect their knowledge in all grand piano rebuilding and repair areas, including action replacement and regulation, advanced hammer selection and preparation, voicing back action replacement, and damper regulation.
To learn more about de la Peña and her services, visit the Sofia’s Piano Service website, email Sofia de la Peña, or call 703-628-3037.
Jared Maltba
“I have been fascinated by the piano since I started playing at the age of nine,” Jared Maltba recalls. “When the opportunity came to work on them, I fell in love with the process, seeing how a piano can be transformed and achieve maximum performance.”
A registered piano technician and member of the Piano Technicians Guild, Maltba owns Valley Piano Tuning in Spanish Fork, Utah. He specializes in tuning, action regulation, voicing, and in-home repairs. He has expanded his operation to handle more comprehensive piano refurbishing work.
Maltba began tuning pianos in churches as a means of enhancing the worship experience. “As a deeply religious person, I loved the prospect of my work helping others come closer to God,” he explains. “When I started tuning pianos in homes, I saw first-hand the joy that my skills brought to individuals and families.
What does he enjoy most about the work? “The joy it brings to people,” is his quick response. “I love seeing them smile and hearing them say, ‘My piano has never sounded so good!’”
Maltba is a graduate of the world-renowned Renner Academy, a division of Renner USA, headquartered in Carefree, Arizona. The week-long technical school is a comprehensive course designed for piano technicians who want to expand and perfect their knowledge in all areas of grand piano rebuilding and repair, including action replacement and regulation, advanced hammer selection and preparation, voicing, back action replacement, and damper regulation.
To learn more about Maltba and his services, visit the Valley Piano Tuning website, email Jared Maltba, or call him at 385-286-9564.
Tom Maeda
Given his fascination for tuning pianos, Tom Maeda says he wanted to save money by tuning pianos himself. “My old friend who managed a piano store asked me to help out in the store, where I acquired two years of training in all aspects of piano servicing, repairs and maintenance,” he recalls.
Now associated with Bellissimo Piano Tech LLC, 23715 SE 281st Street in Maple Valley, Washington, he specializes in piano tuning, action rebuilding, Dampp-Chaser and general piano repairs, as well as sales, installation, and repair of player and silent pianos (QRS and Piano Disc). They also offer pre-owned pianos.
His passion has only grown over time. “I want to make my clients happy,” he says. “It’s pretty much a one-person operation,” with his wife assisting in the office. “I get to go out and visit different clients every day.” Weekends are no different – “I find working on pianos in my shop is fun and rewarding.”
Maeda is a graduate of the world-renowned Renner Academy, a division of Renner USA, headquartered in Carefree, Arizona. The week-long technical school is a comprehensive course designed for piano technicians who want to expand and perfect their knowledge in all areas of grand piano rebuilding and repair, including action replacement and regulation, advanced hammer selection and preparation, voicing, back action replacement, and damper regulation.
To learn more about Maeda and his services, visit the Bellissimo Piano Tech website, email Tom Maeda, or call him at 253-205-1308.
Robert Johannesen
As CEO of Pianoteknikk in Lunner, Norway, Robert Johannesen knows the value of continuing education, having most recently traveled to the United States, where he completed advanced training with the world-renowned Renner Academy, a division of Renner USA, headquartered in Carefree, Arizona.
The week-long technical school is a comprehensive course designed for piano technicians who want to expand and perfect their knowledge in all areas of grand piano rebuilding and repair, including action replacement and regulation, advanced hammer selection and preparation, voicing, back action replacement, and damper regulation.
Johannesen’s company, Pianoteknikk, located at Blistenvegen, 57, 2730, specializes in piano tuning and repairs, voicing and action regulation, as well as major piano renovations and rebuilding. Even with all of the success he and his company have achieved, he continues to seek avenues further to enhance the quality and breadth of the work and services his company provides.
To learn more about the company – as your language skills permit – visit the Pianoteknikk website or email Robert Johannesen.
Robert Johannesen
Som administrerende direktør i Pianoteknikk i Lunner, Norge, kjenner Robert Johannesen verdien av etterutdanning, etter å ha reist sist til USA, hvor han fullførte videregående opplæring med det verdenskjente Renner Academy, en avdeling av Renner USA, med hovedkontor i Carefree, Arizona.
Den ukelange tekniske skolen er et omfattende kurs designet for pianoteknikere som ønsker å utvide og perfeksjonere sine kunnskaper innen alle områder innen ombygging og reparasjon av flygel, inkludert handlingserstatning og regulering, avansert hammervalg og klargjøring, voicing, back action-erstatning, og spjeldregulering.
Johannesens firma, Pianoteknikk, lokalisert i Blistenvegen, 57, 2730, har spesialisert seg på pianostemming og reparasjoner, stemme- og handlingsregulering, samt større pianorenoveringer og ombygginger. Selv med all suksessen han og selskapet hans har oppnådd, fortsetter han å søke veier ytterligere for å forbedre kvaliteten og bredden i arbeidet og tjenestene selskapet tilbyr.
For å lære mer om selskapet – ettersom dine språkkunnskaper tillater det – besøk nettsiden til Pianoteknikk eller send en e-post til Robert Johannesen.
Jonathon Jacobeen
Combine a mechanical inclination with a love for music, and you get Jonathon Jacobeen, a master piano technician and owner of Nova Piano Tuning in Manassas, Virginia.
“I learned piano tuning at St. Vincent College, followed by technical work with the Pittsburgh Symphony and regular piano factory training and educational experiences,” Jacobeen says. “I love music, and I love mechanical things – pianos involve both!”
Nova Piano Tuning specializes in piano tuning and repairs, piano restoration, and conservation of historic pianos and historic temperaments.
“As a piano technician, I know a great deal about new and used pianos,” Jacobeen says. “I’m happy to provide expert advice on the purchase of a new or used piano. There are so many brands and options available that choosing a correct piano is very difficult and can be overwhelming. The worst part of my job is telling folks who just purchased a piano that it is beyond repair or cannot perform at the level they need without significant work,” he adds.
What gives Jacobeen the greatest satisfaction? “Making pianos function at their highest level of performance and working with students. The reason I like to work with students is that I get to watch them develop as artists over time.” His greatest motivation? “I love making a piano come to life.”
He is a member of the Piano Technicians Guild, the Master Piano Technicians of America, and the American Institute for Conservation (AIC).
Jacobeen also is a graduate of the world-renowned Renner Academy, a division of Renner USA, headquartered in Carefree, Arizona. The week-long technical school is a comprehensive course designed for piano technicians who want to expand and perfect their knowledge in all areas of grand piano rebuilding and repair, including action replacement and regulation, advanced hammer selection and preparation, voicing, back action replacement, and damper regulation.
To learn more about the company, visit the Nova Piano Tuning website, email Jonathon Jacobeen, or call 703-881-2577.
Tobias Hamilton
Tobias Hamilton was born and raised in the piano business. He was taught by his grandfather, father, and his uncle – all well-established piano technicians. Tobias took the piano business seriously when his father became ill and could not work anymore.
He began tuning at the age of 18. “The more I tuned, the more I wanted to learn about pianos,” he says. Now, almost 30 years later, he has a full rebuilding facility and a showroom full of beautiful pianos. His son is now the fourth generation to become involved and learn the art of piano technology.
Hamilton Piano Company, 1656 S Congress Avenue in Palm Springs, Florida, provides a broad range of services, from piano tuning to major undertakings, including action rebuilding, soundboard and pin block installation, restringing, and refinishing. Services also include moving pianos, sales, and rentals.
“There is nothing like bringing a piano back to life,” says Hamilton. “When we breathe life into a dead instrument and hear its voice, that’s what I enjoy.”
Hamilton is a graduate of the world-renowned Renner Academy, a division of Renner USA, headquartered in Carefree, Arizona. The week-long technical school is a comprehensive course designed for piano technicians who want to expand and perfect their knowledge in all areas of grand piano rebuilding and repair, including action replacement and regulation, advanced hammer selection and preparation, voicing, back action replacement, and damper regulation.
To learn more about the company, visit the Hamilton Piano Company website, email Tobias Hamilton, or call 561-965-8090.
Lucas Heuer
A love for music and a fascination with the craftmanship of pianos is what inspired Lucas Heuer to pursue a career as a certified piano technician. He is associated with Texas Piano Restoration, 625 Lake Vista Lane in Lavon, Texas.
The company provides a wide range of services, from piano tuning and servicing to complete piano restoration and rebuilding.
“My favorite part of working with pianos is selecting and installing new parts, as well as voicing and action regulation,” Heuer says. Everything must be done according to the customer’s preferences and ultimate satisfaction.”
Heuer is a graduate of the world-renowned Renner Academy, a division of Renner USA, headquartered in Carefree, Arizona. The week-long technical school is a comprehensive course designed for piano technicians who want to expand and perfect their knowledge in all areas of grand piano rebuilding and repair, including action replacement and regulation, advanced hammer selection and preparation, voicing, back action replacement, and damper regulation.
To learn more about the company, visit the Texas Piano Restoration website, email Lucas Heuer, or call 469-909-1602.
Joshua Gaither
It was an early passion for pianos that eventually led Joshua Gaither to establish Volunteer Piano, 10004 Hall Drive in Knoxville, Tennessee.
“I have always had this passion for pianos,” Gaither explains. “I also love working with musicians to help them achieve their goals.”
Volunteer Piano specializes in piano tuning, repairs, action regulation, voicing and rebuilding. They also offer services for moving instruments, refinishing pianos, and Dampp-Chaser installations, along with installing player systems.
“I enjoy the intricacies and nuances of every piano,” he says. “I love overcoming challenges, especially when it meets the needs of the artist.”
Gaither is a graduate of the world-renowned Renner Academy, a division of Renner USA, headquartered in Carefree, Arizona. The week-long technical school is a comprehensive course designed for piano technicians who want to expand and perfect their knowledge in all areas of grand piano rebuilding and repair, including action replacement and regulation, advanced hammer selection and preparation, voicing, back action replacement, and damper regulation.
To learn more about Gaither and his services, visit the Volunteer Piano website, email Joshua Gaither, or call him at 865-765-8863.
Adam Hayes
Getting into the technical field of piano rebuilding and repair “was a complete accident,” Adam Hayes confesses. “I was in need of a job halfway through my accounting degree program,” he candidly admits. However, fate had something else in mind.
“I fell in love with this work,” Hayes says, “and I ditched my accounting degree program.” His passion led him to Classic Pianos at 3003 SE Milwaukee Avenue in Portland, Oregon, where he specializes in piano tuning, voicing, regulation, and rebuilding. In addition to Portland, the business serves the communities of Bend and Eugene as well as locations in seven states. They also ship pianos worldwide.
“I especially enjoy optimizing the sound and touch of the piano so that the next generation of pianists can still get goosebumps when playing the instrument,” he adds.
Hayes is a graduate of the world-renowned Renner Academy, a division of Renner USA, headquartered in Carefree, Arizona. The week-long technical school is a comprehensive course designed for piano technicians who want to expand and perfect their knowledge in all areas of grand piano rebuilding and repair, including action replacement and regulation, advanced hammer selection and preparation, voicing, back action replacement, and damper regulation.
To learn more about Classic Pianos’ services, visit the Classic Pianos website, email Adam Hayes, or call the store at 503-239-9969.
Benjamin Sanchez
Perhaps the best description of Benjamin Sanchez comes from one of his customers, who considers him “the best I’ve ever worked with . . . professional, courteous, knowledgeable, timely. And he really knows his stuff.”
Sanchez is passionate about his work. “I’ve always loved pianos, but early on discovered that not all pianos are easy to play and enjoy,” he says. “Being a piano technician/artisan gives me the opportunity to help others enjoy their pianos more, which is very fulfilling for me.”
He graduated with highest honors from one of the nation’s top piano technician schools. He is a Registered Piano Technician with the Piano Technician’s Guild, as well as a member of the Master Piano Technicians of America as a Master Piano Technician (MPT). He also completed advanced training at the Renner Academy.
Professional Piano Services provides a wide range of services, including piano tuning, regulation, repairs, voicing, and complete rebuilding.
“Attention to the smallest details is what makes the largest difference in the quality of music,” he notes, “and the same is true for the piano as well. For me, it’s about helping to improve one’s musical life, and honoring the Lord so that I can look back on a day’s work, and say ‘It was good.'”
To learn more about Sanchez and his services, visit the Professional Piano Services website, email Benjamin Sanchez, or call him at 805-315-8050. He can be reached by mail at 3291 Erica Place, Lompoc, CA 93436.
Michael Meservy
An unfortunate encounter involving a piano and one young, frustrated piano student proved to be a key factor in launching the career of piano technician Michael Meservy, owner of Piano Tek in Idaho Falls, Idaho.
“I was introduced to the piano at age six by my mother,” recalls Meservy, who took piano lessons alongside some of his sisters. All was going well until one particular lesson. “During one of my lessons, I broke a key on my mother’s piano out of frustration” – he hammered the keyboard with his fist. “I watched her take her piano apart and try to repair a broken shank,” he says.
The damage was enough to banish him from lessons at that time. Little did he know piano technology would become his career as a Registered Piano Technician and successful business owner. He hopes his three sons one day might be involved in the operations. And, as a footnote, Meservy in later years re-engaged with the piano and enjoys playing today.
“I am eager to become the most competent technician I can through continuing education,” he says, “like the advanced training I received through the Renner Academy.”
Piano Tek offers a wide range of services, including tuning, voicing, rebuilding, and professional piano moving.
To learn more about Meservy and his services, visit the Piano Tek website, email Michael Meservy, or call him at 208-313-1050. He can be reached by mail at 3950 S Yellowstone Hwy, Suite 130, Idaho Falls, ID 83402.
Luis Izquierdo Manzano
What motivates a piano technician from Spain to travel for advanced training at the Renner Academy in Scottsdale, Arizona?
“Renner is always a reference in the piano world,” says Luis Izquierdo Manzano, who lives and works in Madrid as part of Pianos Izquierdo. “That’s why I decided to come here, when I saw this opportunity,” he adds. “I have no doubt this is one of the best academies in the piano industry.”
Pianos Izquierdo provides a wide range of services, including tuning, voicing, action rebuilding, restringing, and refinishing plates and sound boards.
To learn more about Luis and his services, call him at +34 658252350.
Dorothy Hopkins
Dorothy Hopkins’ passion for piano technician work began while in college.
“I became interested in the condition of pianos when I attended college and found that most of the pianos I encountered were painful to listen to and play,” she explains. “I concluded that if the piano doesn’t play correctly and sounds terrible, how can that experience make anyone’s heart sing?”
That began her journey as an experienced piano technician, leading her to begin her own business. “I vowed to make a difference,” she says. “I have an obsession to make things work.” Her educational pursuits include advanced training at the Renner Academy.
Hopkins Piano Service offers a wide range of piano-related services, including tuning, voicing, regulation, action refurbishing, and complete action rebuilding.
To learn more about Hopkins and her services, email Dorothy Hopkins, or call her at 360-595-4318. She can be reached by mail at 309 14th St., Lynden, WA 98264.
Carl Johnson
As a music teacher, Carl Johnson knows how a well-maintained piano should sound. That is a huge “plus” when it comes to properly repairing and maintaining a piano, he believes.
“I enjoy servicing my own pianos,” he says. Numerous requests from other teachers and some of his students to tune and repair their pianos provided the motivation to expand into a full-service piano business – Momentum Piano Service. “Hearing this phrase repeated often – ‘because you understand how a piano should sound and play’ – prompted me to branch out,” Johnson says.
Among his educational achievements is completion of advanced training at the Renner Academy.
Momentum Piano Service offers a wide range of piano-related services, including tuning, repair, regulation, voicing, and rebuilding. Professional piano moving services are also available.
To learn more about Johnson and his services, email Carl Johnson, or call him at 435-231-4802. He can be reached by mail at 1150 E 2000 S, Deltas, UT 84624.
Carol Wu
With more than three decades of experience, Carol Wu understands the importance of carefully matching an individual’s musical style and preferences with a high-quality musical instrument like the piano.
For her, that process begins in the showroom of Roger’s Pianos. “As an owner, it is important that our pianos are prepared correctly, both in the store and in the customers’ homes,” she says. That focus is what sets Roger’s Pianos apart, with its superior dealer preparation and the willingness to let customers “audition” pianos extensively before purchase. “I want people to experience a good piano action – no one should be satisfied with less,” she says. Wu completed advanced piano technology training at the Renner Academy.
Roger’s Pianos provides a wide array of services, including tuning, voicing, rebuilding, finish repair, regulation, player system installation, and appraisals, in addition to sales. “Many buyers purchase a piano simply for brand name recognition,” Wu says. “At Roger’s Piano, in addition to carrying brand names, we specialize in finding lesser-known piano makers who produce excellent handcrafted pianos with high-quality components in limited quantities, offering our customers significant value over mass-produced pianos.”
But, perhaps the greatest reward comes from customer satisfaction, Wu notes. “It is most rewarding when I hear from customers how much they enjoy their pianos, and that they are spending more time now playing their pianos.”
To learn more about Wu and her services, visit the Roger’s Piano website, email Carol Wu, or call her at 508-545-0766. She can be reached by mail at 12 Worchester St., Natick, MA 01760.
Peter Stevenson
A lifelong passion for the piano was the genesis of Peter Stevenson’s dream to develop what has become northern British Columbia’s premiere piano store, P.S. Pianos.
“My love for pianos started when I was three years old, when I began to take piano lessons,” he recalls. “The appreciation and wonder that I feel for this instrument has grown as I have become more familiar with the numerous pianos I have played.”
Stevenson started servicing pianos a decade ago. “I wanted to give back to the musical community that supported me as I was growing up,” he says. The dream expanded in 2015 when P.S. Pianos became a reality. “The best part of my work is seeing the joy that music brings to the lives of my clients.”
A Registered Piano Technician, his training is extensive – and ongoing – including advanced training at the Montana State University School of Music, as well as advanced training at the Renner Academy. He is a Dampp-Chaser Humidity Control System Certified Installer and member of the Canadian Association of Piano Technicians.
P.S. Pianos offers a wide range of services, including tuning, regulation, repair, reconditioning, rebuilding, humidity control, appraisals, and professional piano moving.
To learn more about Stevenson and his services, visit the P.S. Pianos website, email Peter Stevenson, or call him at 250-562-5358. He can be reached by mail at 102-575 Brunswick St., Prince George, BC Canada.
Louis del Bene
What does the old upright piano in your grandmother’s living room have in common with the concert grand in Carnegie Hall? They both need the skilled mind and hands of a highly trained piano technician like Louis del Bene to reach their full musical potential.
“Education is a huge part of what I do,” says del Bene, who is a Registered Piano Technician. “And learning needs to be continuing constantly,” he adds. He has completed advanced training at the Renner Academy.
Following graduation from North Bennet Street School’s two-year program in Advanced Piano Technology in 2007, del Bene managed rebuilding shops in North Carolina and California, servicing all kinds of pianos, “from grandma’s old upright to concert instruments at Weil Hall in the Green Music Center at Sonoma State University.” Today, he is back teaching in the Piano Technology Department at North Bennet Street School, while also operating his own piano business, Brevet Piano Service.
“I thoroughly enjoy and take pride in providing the proper level of service for the player and the piano,” del Bene says, stressing that great piano enhancement outcomes begin with collaboration involving the technician and the musician, “providing some of the most rewarding interactions and results for me and my customers.”
Brevet Piano offers a wide range of services, including basic maintenance and repairs, renovation, rebuilding and redesign (in the shop), tuning, voicing, and regulation.
To learn more about del Bene and his services, visit the Brevet Piano Service website, email Louis del Bene, or call him at 707-595-0349.
Stoney Copelin
As an experienced pianist and well-trained piano technician, Stoney Copelin knows not only what a quality piano should sound like, he thoroughly understands the inner workings of the instrument and what it takes to elevate any piano to its full potential.
“The piano always fascinated me,” Copelin says, “and I love making them play and sound their best.” His expertise as a performer complements his 30-plus years on the technical side. “I prefer to play a piano before beginning to work on it,” Copelin explains, “as I often will pick up on issues or problems that other non-playing technicians may not recognize.”
Copelin has served as the official piano technician for such organizations as the American Jazz Pianist Competition, the Young Musical Artist Association, and the Indian River Symphonic Association. He has tuned on concert stages at the University of Arkansas, Florida Institute of Technology, University of Colorado, Oberlin College, Gnessin School of Music, and Moscow Conservatory, among others. and has completed advanced training at the Renner Academy.
Currently a master technician at Atlantic Music Center, Copelin operates his own piano business serving Brevard and Indian River counties, providing a wide range of services including tuning, repair, rebuilding, regulation, voicing, cleaning, and appraisals. He also performs for private and public parties and events, playing and singing a mix of popular and jazz classics.
“I love meeting different kinds of people – and pianos,” Copelin says, adding, “you never know what you might see next!”
To learn more about Copelin and his services, visit the Anything Piano website or call him at 321-729-9680. He can be reached by mail at 1924 Catterton St., Melbourne, FL 32901.
Westminster, MD
“I always look at a piano as having the potential to be better – and I strive to make it better,” he says. “I care more about the person playing the instrument – I enjoy building a personal relationship with each one of my clients. I want each one to be satisfied with the instrument and be able to make great music.”
Pahl’s Piano Service provides a wide range of services, including tuning, pitch raising, in-home repairs and service, vacuuming and cleaning, key and action regulation, restringing, and replacement of action parts. He also is a trained Dampp Chaser installer.
Pahl has completed training with Yamaha’s Performance Piano Prep program, as well as the Piano Technicians Guild Regulation in 37 Steps program. He also has pursued advanced training with the Renner Academy.
Professional relationships include Community Colleges of Baltimore County, the Baltimore County Public Schools, Mehnchey Music, Coffey Music, and John Hopkins University.
To learn more about Pahl’s Piano Service, visit the Pahl website, email Kevin Pahl, or call him at 410-979-6548. The business address is 6165 Deanna Drive, Sykesville, MD, 21784.
Clinton, UT
“Like many piano technicians, piano work is not my first career,” McGuire notes, having worked in the field now for a decade. “I’ve had varied careers in engineering, software, sales, and even pipe organ building! Over the years – in parallel with those career pursuits – I developed high-end woodworking skills, modest ability as a pianist, with a passion for technologies.
“The piano exists as a complex historical technology,” he observes. “Piano technology allows me to apply my technical knowledge and craft skills to preserve and enhance these instruments. Along the way, my work brings joy to those who make music.”
McGuire says his personal satisfaction is centered on continuous learning and development. He completed WNG training as well as the Piano Technicians Guild Grand Regulation in 37 Steps program. In addition to national and regional conference training sessions, he has completed advanced training with the Renner Academy.
McGuire Piano offers a wide range of services, including tuning, repair, regulation, and full restoration involving key recovering, key bushings, action reconditioning, restoration and parts replacement, as well as restringing, bridge work, soundboard repair and/or replacement, and pinblock repair and/or replacement.
To learn more about McGuire Piano and its services, visit the McGuire website, email Duane McGuire, or call him at 801-896-4123. The business is located at 1077 N 1285 West, Clinton, UT, 84015.
Indianapolis, IN
“I have a great customer service mentality,” Gabriel says. “I am good at details and problem solving, which allows me to complete on-the-spot repairs for customers.” Gabriel keeps an extensive array of tools and parts in his work van, which saves a lot of time for both him and his customer.
Services Gabriel provides include tuning, repairs, cleaning, preparation, and regulation. He also completes value appraisals, does partial and full rebuilding of piano actions, and handles the installation, repair, and maintenance of piano humidity systems.
His client base includes not only individuals, but also schools, churches, theaters, and retail stores.
He has completed a number of Piano Technicians Guild seminars, as well as advanced training with the Renner Academy. He continues to pursue a number of programs as part of the Randy Potter School of Piano Technology as well.
To learn more about Gabriel, email Van Gabriel or call him at 816-444-4344. Mail can be directed to Van Gabriel, 104 NE Gaslight Lane, Blue Springs, MO, 64014.
Robert Bussell
Bussell continues to pursue advanced training in all piano-related services, from tuning, voicing and regulation, to damper installation and a wide range of maintenance and repairs.
He also specializes in servicing pianos in major concert venues. For many years he has served as piano technician for world-renowned Chautauqua Institution in Western New York State.
A member of the Piano Technicians Guild, he has completed a number of training programs, including Steinway and Sons, Yamaha USA, Little Red School House, Disklavier Training, and the Renner Academy.
To learn more about Bussell and the services his company provides, visit the Bussell website, email Robert Bussell, call him at 317-782-4320, or visit with him at Bussell Piano Service, 224 West Banta Road, Indianapolis, IN, 46217.
Calhan, CO
“I was trained as a software engineer and enjoy the elements of design involved in analyzing a piano,” Campbell explains. “I also am a bit of a musician who enjoys the art of playing the instrument. This work provides plenty of challenge in both areas.”
Campbell’s Piano Shop offers a wide range of services, including tuning, voicing, regulation, repairs, rebuilding, and remanufacturing.
In addition to his formal software engineering education, Campbell completed the Renner Academy as well as private lessons with a number of individuals, including Chris Finger, Del Fandrich, Jim Coleman Sr., Barth Story, and Kevin Stock.
“As both a musician and technician, I feel I can bring the precision work necessary to create the best instruments, while remembering that in the end, these pianos must be a tool for a musician, and not just a bunch of parts working together.”
To learn more about Campbell Piano Shop and its services, visit the Campbell website, email Mark Campbell, or call him at 719-351-2766. The Piano Shop is located at 27335 Dzuris Road, Calhan, CO, 80808.
Dennis Gabriel
Gabriel is the owner of Gabriel Piano in Blue Springs, Missouri. He provides a range of services, from tuning to repairs. But, his real love is repairing pianos for groups that otherwise might not be able to afford the services.
“We are doing it for the glory of God,” he says of his motivation for this particular profession. “We travel all over the country, fixing pianos for small churches, small community centers, and care facilities (with special attention to Alzheimer units). “Our services are free to these organizations,” he says. “When we have completed our work, we try to refer the group to the nearest local qualified technicians.”
Gabriel loves to play the piano, “because when I play, I want the instrument to do its best, so that I can do my best.”
He has completed seminars at Yamaha, Steinway, Piano Technicians Guild national and regional events, and advanced training at the Renner Academy. “I have worked with more than 30 apprentices over the years,” he observes, with many of those individuals now serving customers throughout the United States.
Professional relationships include the University of Missouri-Columbia, the University of Texas-Austin, and the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He also has worked in several concert venues with artists like Rudolph Serkin, Billy Taylor, Victor Borga and others.
To learn more about Gabriel, email Dennis Gabriel or call him at 816-229-1681. He can be reached by mail at Gabriel Piano, 800 NW Hearnes Avenue, Blue Springs, MO, 64015.
Krista Coppedge
“I chose to be a piano technician because it perfectly joins my love of mechanical tinkering with my love of music,” she explains. “I knew the moment I took apart a piano action that this was going to be my lifelong obsession.”
Coppedge serves clients in San Diego, California, providing a wide array of services, including piano tuning, voicing, repair, regulation, action rebuilding, and harpsichord-related services.
She received a Certificate of Completion from the University of Western Ontario Piano Technology, served as an intern for the Aspen Music Festival, and completed advanced training at the Renner Academy. She maintains professional relationships with Greene Music, the San Diego Music and Art Co-op, Old Town Academy, Point Loma Nazarene University, and Master Piano Technicians.
“I take extreme pride in my work and set the highest standards for myself, so that I can leave a piano knowing I did my very best to bring the instrument to its utmost potential,” she says.
To learn more about Coppedge’s business and services, visit the Coppedge website, email Krista Coppedge, or call her at 619-206-0234. She can be reached by mail at Krista Coppedge, 1501 Chalcedony Street, San Diego, CA, 92109.
Carlos Aranda
Aranda offers a wide range of the piano-related services – tuning, maintenance, and repairs – as well as complete piano reconditioning and restoration.
“Others think just about money,” he says in describing his work. “I aim for perfection!”
Aranda completed his basic training at UK-based Newark College, and later completed advanced training at the Renner Academy based in Scottsdale, Arizona.
With 25 years of experience, Aranda hopes to eventually begin building his own line of pianos.
To learn more about Aranda and his piano services, email Carlos Aranda or call him at (0044) 789-686-0687. His regular mailing address is 193 Cottenham Park Road, London, UK, SW20 OSY.
Jim_Fariss
The owner of Black Forest Piano in Black Forest, Colorado, Fariss has completed extensive piano-related training over the last decade and a half, offering services ranging from tuning, repair, and regulation, to partial and complete restorations.
“As a retired aerospace engineer, I have the luxury of taking extra time on all my work,” Fariss says, “from simple in-home tuning to rebuilding that prized piano you grew up with, a piano that may have been in your family for decades and you want to see it passed down.”
Fariss completed the Randy Potter School of Piano Technology, graduating in the top 10 percent of the class. He also completed Potter’s Advanced Training Seminar, additional training at Montana State University School of Music, and the Piano Technicians Guild Grand Action Regulation program. He served as an intern at Steingraeber & Sohne Klaviermanufaktur in Bayreuth, Germany, and completed advanced training at the Renner Academy located in Scottsdale, Arizona. He is a certified installer for Dampp-Chaser systems.
A Registered Piano Technician, Fariss is a member of the Piano Technicians Guild as well as the Master Piano Technicians.
To learn more about Black Forest Piano, visit the Black Forest website, email Jim Fariss, or call him at 719-425-8845. You can visit Black Forest at 19365 Soaring Wing Court, Black Forest, CO, 80908.
Wendy Bartsch
“I learned to play the piano on this old player piano that was given to us,” she recalls. “It had these ‘doors’ that you could open, where the perforated paper roll used to be. I would often open the doors and watch the hammer strike the strings and try to figure it all out. I was just as interested in the inner workings as much as playing it.”
Years later, after completing training at the Randy Potter School of Piano Technology as well as intermediate and advanced seminars, she founded her piano repair and maintenance business. She focuses on tuning, regulation, repair, hammer replacement, repining and stringing, and key top replacement. Wendy also graduated from the Renner Academy, where she worked alongside some of the piano industry’s top instructors to master the art of replacing and regulating the grand piano action and underlever system.
“For people living in northern Alberta, it is hard to find a good piano technician who is qualified to do more than just tune the piano,” Bartsch says. “I will go to some remote places to work on just one piano because I know how important that piano is to the owner.”
To learn more about Wendy Bartsch Piano Services, visit her Wendy Bartsch Facebook page; email Wendy Bartsch; or call her at 780-834-8759. Her regular mailing address is Box 2133, Fairview, Alberta T0H1L0 Canada.
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