July 2020
Visit the new online PTG Education Hub , a comprehensive and continually growing list of piano technology education resources compiled by the Education Committee You'll also find links there to the "Path to RPT Certification" and a new Mentorship Program. Check back frequently for new content.
Member Benefits Expanded
The Piano Technicians Guild and Vienna International have teamed up to offer PTG members a new member benefit. The retrofit HLPS “Magic Lid” system kit is now available for $450 + $25 shipping and handling. This exclusive PTG member price represents a 20% discount off the regular price of $550 plus shipping wholesale. The retrofit kit installation can serve as a way of generating extra revenue for PTG members and offering options to customers concerned about safely opening and closing their piano lid. A installation how-to video is available at  www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsVodhf8Auo&feature=youtu.be . For more information or to order, call (509) 946-8078. Ask for the PTG member price.
Summer 2020 Board Meeting
Since there will be no convention or council this summer, there will be a multi-day virtual board meeting held over three days utilizing the Zoom platform. The dates are July 27-29 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. EDT each day. This meeting will provide observer rights to the first 100 members in good standing each day. Watch your email and discussion groups for viewing information. Download the meeting agenda.
PTG Responds to COVID-19
Best Practices for College and University Technicians
The PTG College and University Technicians Committee has compiled a list of tips for dealing with the special challenges of pianos in college and university settings as they prepare to open their buildings to students for the fall semester. It offers suggestions and links to useful information from the PTG, Yamaha and Steinway & Sons. It can be downloaded at www.ptg.org/ptgmain/join/member-benefits/business-resources .

PPP Available to PTG Members
The deadline for applying for the SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has been extended until August 8. More information on that program is available at  www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/paycheck-protection-program .

The Piano Technicians Guild continues to offer an up-to-date list of resources for members in response to COVID-19 at www.ptg.org/covidresponse .
July Journal Available Online
Your July 2020 issue of the  Piano Technicians Journal  is now available at  my.ptg.org . Use your PTG login username and password to log in to  my. p tg.org .
Here’s a sample of what’s inside:
  • Core Competencies in Piano Repair: Repairing Broken Hammer Butt Springs
  • The Practical Technician Repairs Grand Piano Pedals
  • Wanted: Teachers of Aural Tuning
  • Downweight and Balance Weight Installment 17
  • Tuner's Life - Concerning Clients in the Time of COVID-19
You are receiving the online  Piano Technicians Journal  as a PTG member benefit.  View the July 2020 Journal .
Polyester & Lacquer Finish Touch Up Academy
October 23 & 24, 2020
PTG Home Office - Kansas City
Presented by Mike Ello, RPT
  • Two day skills-based course.
  • Lecture and discussion along with plenty of hands-on opportunities.
  • Limited spaces available. Register by September 20 to reserve yours.
PTG Foundation Announces Braille Edition of Montal Book
Fred Sturm's outstanding English translation of Claude Montal's The Art of Tuning is now available in braille through the NLS at the Library of Congress . We're very grateful to John Hanson who began this braille transcription while at the NLS, then continued on his own time after he retired. The NLS is a free braille and talking book library service for people with temporary or permanent low vision, blindness, or a physical disability that prevents them from reading or holding the printed page.
PTG Green Initiative
As adopted in 2005, the Council Book of Resolutions states, "Home Office and PTG membership shall be environmentally aware." Over the last year, the HO has been working towards eliminating the printing and mailing of such things as newsletters, supplements, invoices and monthly statements. Please  update your profile online  or contact the HO if we do not have your current contact information.