So You Want to Be a Piano Tuner
I remember when I wanted to start piano tuning. I already had a background in instrument repair, so I spoke with area tuners looking to apprentice. The replies were all the same.
“It’s boring.”
“You need extreme patience.”
“You need lots of time.”
“Redundant, redundant, redundant.”
“No.”
In hindsight, I can see their point, but these comments can be made about almost any job — especially a technical one.
There are a variety of ways people learn to be a piano tuner. I have seen a few go with only one of these methods, but ultimately it’s a combination of all these experiences:
- Apprentice. Work with an experienced tuner for a period of time until you get a feel for the process.
- Books. Read! There are lots of books available, ranging from highly technical guides to introductions for beginners.
- Classes. There are a few classes or piano tuning schools available across the country.
- Use the force. Total experimentation on the job. You might want to practice on your own instrument first.
Just like there are multiple ways to learn, there are also a variety of ways to tune a piano.
(There are many ways to learn this — more than I have time to cover here.)
- All by ear. This is usually seen starting with a tuning fork and everything is acoustically based on that first string.
- Electronic. This usually uses a computer, electronic device, app, or other oscilloscope type of equipment for every string.
- Hybrid of electronic and ear. This is usually started with an electronic device. A temperament is set and many of the strings are tuned, usually by ear, to this temperament foundation.
And of course, you will need pianos to tune.
As when learning any craft, understand that there is a learning curve. Many of your early tunings will not be “performance level.”
The process of tuning a piano is not super complex but it is repetitive, requires focus and accuracy and does take some time. (Maybe the old guys were right!) Every tuner has their own individual process and method, and with enough practice, they usually have good results.
Some musical knowledge is needed as well. Performance level playing skills can be helpful but is not a necessity. Most performing pianists cannot tune a piano, and few full-time piano tuners are concert pianists. But all of them have an appreciation for music.
Knowledge of the notes and names is the most basic information needed if you want to be a piano tuner. Knowing all twelve major scales (or at least octaves, fourth and fifth intervals) is very helpful and necessary for aural (listening) tuning and checking.
Good tools will make the job easier and more precise. Start with a quality tuning hammer, felts, mutes, and a reliable electronic tuner if you’re using the hybrid method.
Piano tuning is a rewarding craft that is equal parts technical skill and musical artistry.
But if this all sounds like a lot of boring, repetitive, time-consuming work, just email me at everettpianoservices@gmail.com for a professional tuning.