August 2025

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Welcome, Everyone

If you're reading a PTG member e-newsletter for the first time, welcome! You’re one of 254 new members that have joined since January 1. All those new faces mean new opportunities for introductions, education and sharing, which is why PTG exists. If any of you have questions or needs, please get in touch with your chapter president, Regional Vice President, or the PTG Office. We’re here to help.

Convention Recap

The 2025 theme “Learning Never Ends” was especially relevant as more then 80 first-time attendees (and more then 500 total attendees) attended the annual PTG convention in Des Moines, IA in July.

“Our efforts in reaching out to a new generation of piano technicians is really paying dividends,” said PTG President David Stoneman, RPT. “That energy not only benefits us on an organizational level, but it also means everyone who loves pianos can benefit from better piano service.”

Look for a complete wrap-up in the October 2025 issue of the Piano Technicians Journal. In the meantime, a few highlights:

2025 Award Recipients

Congratulations to all our award recipients and thank you for your service and dedication to PTG and the piano industry!

Golden Hammer

Bruce Stevens, RPT

Hall of Fame

Jim Busby, RPT

Fred Sturm, RPT

Crowl-Travis Member of Note

Andrea Hackbarth, RPT

Ed McMorrow, RPT

James Reeder, RPT

Lucy Urlacher, RPT

Examiner of the Year

Maggie Jusiel, RPT

Greenfield Award

Roger Gable, RPT

Presidential Citation

John Parham, RPT



See past recipients, and learn more about these awards and how to nominate a deserving member at www.ptg.org/members/awards.

Council & Board Actions

The election of officers and RVP’s highlighted organizational activities and you can view an updated list at www.ptg.org/about/board. Watch for a summary of action taken by Council and the Board of Directors in your Regional Vice President’s summer newsletter. You’ll be able to review those newsletters in your regional communities at my.ptg.org when they are published.

View 2025 Summer Pre-Council Board minutes.

View 2025 Summer Post-Council Board minutes.

View 2025 Summer Council minutes.

Call for 2026 Institute Class Proposals

Planning for PTG's 2026 Convention and Technical Institute has already begun. We are seeking class proposals for the July 22-25 event in Washington D.C. If you have class ideas, this is your time to step up and share your knowledge and expertise. Click on Submit a PTG Technical Institute class proposal to present your class idea. Proposals are due by September 15.

2026 Dues Invoices Available November 3

Your invoice for 2026 dues will be sent via email on Monday, November 3 or can be viewed in your online profile at www.ptg.org. Dues for 2026 are $372 plus any chapter dues you may owe. Payment options include full payment or monthly installments.

New Payment Option: Pay by Electronic Check (eCheck)

We’re pleased to introduce a new, convenient way for members to pay dues, shop at the store, make donations, or register for events: Electronic Check (eCheck) payments are now available! This secure option allows you to make payments directly from your checking account — no need to mail a physical check or have a card available. To save this option on your account, go to www.ptg.org, click PTG Members > My Portal, and log in. On the portal page, click on the person icon in the upper right corner and select My Profile > My Account > Saved Payment Options > Add bank account. Another way to use eCheck is at checkout, simply choose New Payment Method > Add bank account. If you are having trouble getting logged in, please check the information at my.ptg.org/help/userfaq or contact the Home Office at 913-432-9975.

Upcoming Education Events

PTG is excited to announce two big events coming to the PTG Home Office October 2025.

Grand Action Regulation in 37 Steps

October 16-18

• Piano Technicians Guild Home Office • Kansas City
• Intensive three-day skills-based course.
• Small group instruction and individual feedback.
• One piano per registrant.
•  Space is limited. Only 10 slots available.
• Open to PTG members and non-members.

Register at my.ptg.org/37steps.

Exam Weekend at the PTG Home Office

October 25-26

Both Technical and Tuning Exams will be offered.

Please contact Ricki Klos for more information and registration

(512) 773-7133, vp@ptg.org Learn more about RPT exams.

More Education Opportunities

September 6

Ken Eschete and Dale Erwin Saturday Technical

Northwestern University, Evanston IL

www.northshoreptg.org

September 13

John Parham Technical Immersion Playground

Freeburg Pianos, Hendersonville NC

Download a flyer.

October 3-5

Australasian Piano Tuners and Technicians Association (APTTA) Piano Technicians Convention

Christchurch Townhall Christchurch, NZ

www.apttaconvention.com

View the complete Events calendar.

What's in the August 2025 Journal?

• Action Geometry Demystified, Part 4: Hammer Weight Maximum
• The Practical Technician Makes a Trap Lever
•  Controlling the Touchweight of the Upright Action; Part 1: Analysis and Theory

The Piano Technicians Journal is always available 24-7 online. Read the August 2025 issue now.

Membership Benefits

Save the Dates: NAMM 2026

We’re pleased to announce that Piano Technicians Guild Members will be eligible for a free badge to attend the 2026 Show. The show is set for January 22-24. We’ll have more details and outline the process in future issues of the PTG Member E-news.

Key Deadlines and Dates

• September 15, 2025 | Proposals due for 2026 Arlington, VA PTG Convention & Technical Institute | www.ptg.org/class-submit
• November 3, 2025 | 2026 dues invoices go out via email and posted in Member Portals at www.ptg.org.
• February 2-4, 2026 | Winter PTG Board of Directors Meeting | PTG Home Office, Kansas City