78 episodes

"Inspiring the Future of the Piano Tech Community"

Each Saturday at 2 pm ET we'll meet via video stream with a special guest.
In continuing support of you as a quarantined piano technician, and in your life beyond, it's another free resource brought to you by Piano Technicians Masterclasses.

For more information visit: http://www.pianotechradio.com

Piano Tech Radio Hour Piano Technicians Masterclasses

    • Arts
    • 5.0 β€’ 12 Ratings

"Inspiring the Future of the Piano Tech Community"

Each Saturday at 2 pm ET we'll meet via video stream with a special guest.
In continuing support of you as a quarantined piano technician, and in your life beyond, it's another free resource brought to you by Piano Technicians Masterclasses.

For more information visit: http://www.pianotechradio.com

    Tuned In - Memoirs of a Piano Man w/ Jim Wilson

    Tuned In - Memoirs of a Piano Man w/ Jim Wilson

    Make sure to get in on our latest masterclass covering Action Geometry with Dean Reyburn. Join us Thursday April 18 at 3pm Pacific or 6pm Eastern Time. Visit https://bit.ly/pianoaction to register!
    Gain insights into Jim's experiences with music icons and the lessons he's learned along the way. Beyond rubbing shoulders with legends, he learned valuable lessons from them about music and life.
    Explore how musical trends and tech advancements shape piano performance and recording. Jim was at the forefront of groundbreaking midi technology. Understand the importance of nurturing young talent and how it influenced Jim's journey. You won’t believe how far music can take you.
    Discover the fascinating connection between piano technology and creative expression. Jim shares captivating encounters with music legends. From singing with Paul McCartney to adventures with Dan Fogelberg, Jim's journey is astounding to tune in to.
    Here’s a little bit about our guest Jim Wilson:
    Jim Wilson's career is nothing short of legendary. From humble beginnings as a piano tech, he went on to serve and collaborate with some of the most iconic names in the music industry. From behind-the-scenes anecdotes to groundbreaking insights, Jim's experiences are as enlightening as they are entertaining.
    π‰πŽπˆπ 𝐔𝐒 π…πŽπ‘ πŒπŽπ‘π„ 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 π‚πŽππ“π„ππ“β—β—

    Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/
    Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:
    How to tune pianos.How to repair pianos.How to rebuild pianos.How to tune concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.
    Instagram -Piano Technicians Masterclass (@pianotechmasterclass)Β 
    FB - Piano Technicians Masterclasses | Facebook
    Spotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

    Make sure to get in on our latest masterclass covering Action Geometry with Dean Reyburn. Join us Thursday April 18 at 3pm Pacific or 6pm Eastern Time. Visit https://bit.ly/pianoaction to register!

    • 1 hr 16 min
    Musical Tales w/ David Amram

    Musical Tales w/ David Amram

    Make sure to get in on our latest masterclass covering Action Geometry with Dean Reyburn. Join us Thursday April 18 at 3pm Pacific or 6pm Eastern Time. Visit https://bit.ly/pianoaction to register!
    Tune in to hear the maestro David Amram sharing unheard stories from his encounters with pianos and pianists across the globe, alongside recent collaborations with other PTRH community members. Explore the inspirations behind his most celebrated piano compositions.

    This session is a rare opportunity to hear directly from a composer who has not only created an incredible body of work but has lived through some of the most pivotal moments in musical history. Whether you're a lifelong fan, a music scholar, or someone who appreciates the profound beauty of piano music, this podcast promises to be an enriching experience.

    Don’t miss out on this unforgettable journey through the life and music of David Amram.Β 
    π‰πŽπˆπ 𝐔𝐒 π…πŽπ‘ πŒπŽπ‘π„ 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 π‚πŽππ“π„ππ“β—β—

    Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/
    Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Masterclass. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single livestreams, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills such as:
    How to tune pianos.How to repair pianos.How to rebuild pianos.How to tune concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.
    Instagram -Piano Technicians Masterclass (@pianotechmasterclass)Β 
    FB - Piano Technicians Masterclasses | Facebook
    Spotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify


    Make sure to get in on our latest masterclass covering Action Geometry with Dean Reyburn. Join us Thursday April 18 at 3pm Pacific or 6pm Eastern Time. Visit https://bit.ly/pianoaction to register!

    • 1 hr 3 min
    Tribute and Insights w/ Donna Weng Friedman

    Tribute and Insights w/ Donna Weng Friedman

    Make sure to get in on our latest masterclass covering Action Geometry with Dean Reyburn. Join us Thursday April 18 at 3pm Pacific or 6pm Eastern Time. Visit https://bit.ly/pianoaction to register!
    In today's episode, we started with touching tributes to Tanya Ragir and Joe Patrych, honoring their legacies in our community. Additionally, Donna shared about the legacy of Joe Patrych, a cherished member of the New York piano community whose unexpected departure in December deeply affected so many. Donna Weng, moved by Joe's passing, shared heartfelt reflections on his life and contributions. Joe's presence in the Greater New York piano community was profound. He left behind a legacy of excellence in music production and sound engineering. Donna's tribute to Joe set the stage for a session filled with gratitude, remembrance, and celebration of his impactful life.

    As we transitioned into the session's discussions, Donna shared updates on her ongoing projects and collaborations. She spoke about her efforts to harness the power of music and poetry to address mental health challenges among children and teens. She draws inspiration from the famed "Carnival of the Animals," delivering its spirit in present-day forms. Donna's commitment to using art as a tool for healing and expression was truly inspiring, and we look forward to supporting her upcoming performance. We also got a sneak peek of "Never Fade Away," Donna's film which was showcased at Times Square in honor of AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islander) Heritage Month. The film, depicting her immigrant father's life-changing encounter with music, has garnered acclaim at numerous film festivals worldwide. Additionally, Donna shared about her induction into the Steinway and Sons Teacher Hall of Fame, reflecting on her teaching experience and the significance of this recognition.
    Donna graciously shared personal reflections on her journey within the piano world, delving into the transformative experiences that have sculpted her identity as both an artist and educator. Through her narrative, she underscored the profound impact of resilience, the strength of community, and the boundless potential of artistic expression to bridge divides and foster profound connections.

    As the session concluded, we had the opportunity to immerse ourselves in β€œQuiet Poems”,Β  three solo piano pieces by Donna's friend Kim Sherman, complemented by a visually captivating video by Karl Sonnenberg. Departing from classical norms, it highlights the interplay of sound and silence, prompting reflection on what lies between the notes.
    Here’s a little bit about our guest Donna Weng Friedman:Β 
    Award winning pianist Donna Weng Friedman enjoys a distinguished career as a soloist, chamber musician, educator, curator, producer, filmmaker and app developer. She was inducted into the Steinway & Sons Teacher Hall of Fame on October 5th, 2023, for her "passionate commitment to teaching and inspiring young people in music" - Gavin English, President of Steinway & Sons Americas.
    Donna wrote, directed and produced the award winning documentary short, NEVER FADE AWAY featuringΒ  Chun Wai Chan, the first principal dancer of Chinese descent in New York City Ballet’s 75-year history.
    Donna is the inaugural winner of the Women Who Innovate Grant 2023, awarded by the International Alliance for Women in Music, Global Initiatives committee for her "impactful and meaningful" work.
    π‰πŽπˆπ 𝐔𝐒 π…πŽπ‘ πŒπŽπ‘π„ 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 π‚πŽππ“π„ππ“β—β—

    Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/
    Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Masterclass. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single livestreams, and recorded masterclass

    • 1 hr 3 min
    Wool and Piano Hammer w/ Eathan Janney

    Wool and Piano Hammer w/ Eathan Janney

    Make sure to get in on our latest masterclass covering Action Geometry with Dean Reyburn. Join us Thursday April 18 at 3pm Pacific or 6pm Eastern Time. Visit https://bit.ly/pianoaction to register!
    In this group discussion, Eathan talks about the annual PTM convention and the release of a lecture by David Stanwood who delivers a lecture about piano touch and tone. It’s a really interesting lecture and one key takeaway was about wool and its role in the sound of the piano. The properties of wool are really special for the creation of piano hammers and the tone we want to get out of them. The lecture also touches on some important themes like voicing, components and the hammer - strike point, shoulders, the different layers, felt - and how they affect the different sounds you want to get out of the hammer.Β 

    Another interesting lecture that addresses the importance of wool in pianos is by Alex Kirsten. He talks in great detail about the kind of wool they use and how it is processed, the special requests they give at Steingraber to the hammer makers to create a hammer that would produce the sound they appreciate the most.Β 

    A subscription to Piano Technicians Masterclasses will give you access to these lectures and more so you can learn about the wool and its importance in sound, tune in now to find out more!Β 
    Here’s a little bit about our host:

    Eathan Janney:

    Eathan has 20 years of experience as a piano technician. He studied with Dave Miller, the staff piano technician for the Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University, New Jersey.

    Dave Carpenter, the inventor of the Verituner electronic tuning device, provided mentorship for Eathan in Chicago. Eathan also worked with Ken Eschete and Bill Schwarts, the staff piano technicians at Northwestern University in Chicago.

    In 2009, he founded Floating Piano Factory of New York, a company that allows piano technicians to move from Apprentice to Craftsman level while offering value pricing to clients as technicians progress toward mastery. In 2017 he founded Piano Technicians Masterclasses, an online project designed to offer cutting-edge instruction from piano industry masters to anyone on the globe with an internet connection.
    π‰πŽπˆπ 𝐔𝐒 π…πŽπ‘ πŒπŽπ‘π„ 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 π‚πŽππ“π„ππ“β—β—

    Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/
    Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:
    How to tune pianos.How to repair pianos.How to rebuild pianos.How to tune concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.
    Instagram -Piano Technicians Masterclass (@pianotechmasterclass)Β 
    FB - Piano Technicians Masterclasses | Facebook
    Spotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

    Make sure to get in on our latest masterclass covering Action Geometry with Dean Reyburn. Join us Thursday April 18 at 3pm Pacific or 6pm Eastern Time. Visit https://bit.ly/pianoaction to register!

    • 1 hr 4 min
    Piano Inspiration w/ Isaac Namias

    Piano Inspiration w/ Isaac Namias

    Make sure to get in on our latest masterclass covering Action Geometry with Dean Reyburn. Join us Thursday April 18 at 3pm Pacific or 6pm Eastern Time. Visit https://bit.ly/pianoaction to register!
    In this episode we have Isaac sharing two pivotal moments in his journey, illustrating his evolution from a musician to a piano technician. One significant moment occurred during college when he embarked on the challenge of rebuilding Fender Rhodes pianos, relying solely on online tutorials. Despite lacking an engineering background, his musical discipline and focus propelled him into the world of keyboard technology. Isaac recounted his challenging yet rewarding experience applying for a position at Steinway. Despite facing a lengthy interview process spanning several months, he eventually secured a role in sales. He highlighted the importance of perseverance and networking, as well as the significant role played by supportive colleagues and friends.
    Isaac shared profound philosophical insights regarding the symbiotic relationship between piano rebuilding and sales. He stressed the necessity of allocating equal attention and passion to both aspects, highlighting the integral role of selling pianos in sustaining the craft of piano rebuilding. Drawing from his training at Steinway, he discussed essential principles for effective sales practices. He underscored the importance of attention to detail, consistency, meaningful showcases, conciseness, and follow-up in fostering strong client relationships, presentation and perseverance in sales.
    Isaac emphasized the significance of communication from the perspectives of both piano tuners and technicians visiting clients' homes. He stressed the importance of setting the right tone, being observant, and providing valuable recommendations to clients, thereby building trust and enhancing the overall client experience.
    Here’s a little bit about our guest Isaac Namias:
    After graduating from Indiana University, where he studied Jazz Pedagogy at the Jacob School of Music under the late iconic David Baker, Isaac moved to New York to pursue his passion: playing and studying piano in the mecca of music.
    Soon after, he began apprenticing with master craftsman Brian Whiton at Big Wrench Piano Care. Isaac worked closely with him and other technicians to learn how to rebuild and tune pianos. He then had the opportunity to work for the legendary Steinway & Sons company, where he learned more about piano rebuilding from a tradition of multigenerational artisans, and did piano sales and consulting.
    As a pianist, piano teacher, and piano tuner, Isaac wanted to create an outlet in Brooklyn for those who are seeking risk-free, reliable, and beautiful pianos.π‰πŽπˆπ 𝐔𝐒 π…πŽπ‘ πŒπŽπ‘π„ 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 π‚πŽππ“π„ππ“β—β—

    Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/
    Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Masterclass. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single livestreams, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills such as:
    How to tune pianos.How to repair pianos.How to rebuild pianos.How to tune concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.
    Instagram -Piano Technicians Masterclass (@pianotechmasterclass)Β 
    FB - Piano Technicians Masterclasses | Facebook
    Spotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

    Make sure to get in on our latest masterclass covering Action Geometry with Dean Reyburn. Join us Thursday April 18 at 3pm Pacific or 6pm Eastern Time. Visit https://bit.ly/pianoaction to register!

    • 1 hr 7 min
    Regulations and Appraisals w/ Sally Phillips and Leo Holder

    Regulations and Appraisals w/ Sally Phillips and Leo Holder

    Make sure to get in on our latest masterclass covering Action Geometry with Dean Reyburn. Join us Thursday April 18 at 3pm Pacific or 6pm Eastern Time. Visit https://bit.ly/pianoaction to register!
    In this episode, we have Sally Phillips and Leo Holder. Sally talks about the amount of regulation a new piano needs. All the work that needs to be done to a piano before delivery will save you money in after-market servicing and enable you to get the trust of a dealer.Β 

    Sally walks us through her checklist of things we need to do to get the after-delivery servicing costs down. The same works for newly rebuilt pianos as well. Sally says β€œNew pianos are kind of an enigma”, and the first thing you need to do is check if the piano has been damaged in moving, then move the action brackets and get to the regulating. Start with listening to the tuning and then level the strings and bring them up to 440. Sally talks through all the minute details that can help you take your game to the next level by giving it that extra attention to detail.Β 

    Up next, we have Leo who used to be batchmates with Sally in North Bennet, and talks about putting on an appraiser tax as a technician, its risks, things to do, and those to avoid. Leo talks about the principles and rules of appraisals codified by the Appraisal Board. He shares a wealth of information about appraisal and its necessary prerequisites.Β 

    Tune into this lecture to hear from Sally and Leo about the things that are less spoken about in the piano industry.Β 

    Here’s a little bit about our guests :
    Sally Phillips: Over the past 40 years, Sally Phillips has worked in virtually every aspect of the piano industry: service, retail, wholesale, and manufacturing. She has tuned and prepared pianos for recordings and concerts in such venues as Town Hall in NYC, Alice Tully Hall, the Kennedy Center, and for the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, the BBC Concert Orchestra, and the Vienna Philharmonic. She's a 1976 graduate of North Bennet Street School. She has published articles for Piano Buyer, The American Organist, and the PTG Journal. Sally lives in Columbus, GA dealing in Steinway and other fine pianos as Piano Perfect, LLC.
    Leo Holder: Leo studied piano at a music conservatory in Europe. He was thoroughly trained in piano technology at Boston's North Bennett Street Industrial School under Bill Garlick and David Betts. He's been certified as an expert piano technician by the Baldwin Piano Company. He is a Resident Technician at the Third Street Music School (America's oldest) where he also taught a course in Piano Maintenance to musicians.
    π‰πŽπˆπ 𝐔𝐒 π…πŽπ‘ πŒπŽπ‘π„ 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 π‚πŽππ“π„ππ“β—β—

    Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/
    Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Masterclass. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single livestreams, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills such as:
    How to tune pianos.How to repair pianos.How to rebuild pianos.How to tune concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.
    Instagram -Piano Technicians Masterclass (@pianotechmasterclass)Β 
    FB - Piano Technicians Masterclasses | Facebook
    Spotify - Piano Tech Radio Hour | Podcast on Spotify

    Make sure to get in on our latest masterclass covering Action Geometry with Dean Reyburn. Join us Thursday April 18 at 3pm Pacific or 6pm Eastern Time. Visit https://bit.ly/pianoaction to register!

    • 2 hr 14 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
12 Ratings

12 Ratings

Fredyuiop ,

Put on your BEST set of headphones!

Hands down, this is my favorite podcast and is truly the future of the piano tech community. The legendary piano technician and co-host, David Anderson, preaches the gospel of fine aural tuning and reminds us that the piano industry is heading toward the high end. The show's creator and host, Eathan Janney provides unrivaled vision and passionate creativity. I can't say enough about this show!

Eathan Janney ,

All the best in the global piano industry

This is a great place to learn from the best piano techs and piano industry pros in the world. And it’s a way to connect with what the people and movements in the piano industry at a global level that would typically go on behind the scenes.

Jimmijim ,

Wonderful Guests

This podcast will recharge your inspiration batteries!

Top Podcasts In Arts

Add to Cart with Kulap Vilaysack & SuChin Pak
Lemonada Media
Fresh Air
NPR
The Moth
The Moth
99% Invisible
Roman Mars
Minnie Questions with Minnie Driver
iHeartPodcasts
Fashion People
Audacy | Puck

You Might Also Like

Strong Songs
Kirk Hamilton
All Songs Considered
NPR
WTF with Marc Maron Podcast
Marc Maron
Classical Breakdown
WETA Classical
Broken Record with Rick Rubin, Malcolm Gladwell, Bruce Headlam and Justin Richmond
Pushkin Industries
Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!
NPR