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October 2017
Blue Sky thinking required forPTA Membership Questionnaire 2017
PTA Convention: Darlington, May 2018
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Editorial — 4President Writes — 5Membership News — 6PTA Badges for Sale – Members only — 6PTA Useful Contacts — 6Making Tax Digital — 7New PTA Forum — 8Steingraeber & Söhne Factory Visit — 10Meet the Council — 15PTA Convention 9th to 12th May 2018 — 16From Norway With Love — 18PTA Membership Questionnaire 2017 — 20Council Report — 21PTA Diary of Events — 23
The next deadline for PTA News is: Friday 24th November 2017.PTA News is the Newsletter of the Pianoforte Tuners’ Association. All views expressed are
those of the contributors, not necessarily reflecting those of the PTA or the editorial team.Please send items for publication to ‘The Editor’, preferably via email with photographs sent
separately from the text. Posted items can only be returned if accompanied by an SAE.Please obtain the necessary permission before submitting copyright items.
PTA News, 49 South Hamilton Street, KILMARNOCK KA1 2DTEmail: [email protected]
To advertise in PTA News, at very reasonable rates, please contact:Tania Staite, Tel: 020 8677 4422
Flat 8, Deepdene, 15 Streatham Common Northside, London SW16 3HQEmail: [email protected]
CONTENTS
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My apologies for the lines on the envelopes that weresent out with the last edition, particularly as some were muchworse than others. The glue on the sticky flap became so warm that it left linesas the envelopes went through the printer.
Dr Alastair Laurence has told me that he is very grateful for the supportiveletters he has received and that he has submitted John Broadwood & SonsLtd.’s official objection.
Matthew Gough’s article explaining the current position regarding ‘MakingTax Digital’ is to be found on page 7. This is a situation to which we will haveto pay close attention.
PTA Librarian, Martin Backhouse reminds those who borrowed items fromthe Library at the 2017 Convention that these are overdue. Please makearrangements to return them or contact Martin directly. Whoever borrowed theOwen Jorgensen book please return the CD/DVD which accompanies it.
The second part of Gary Whiteland’s informative guide to using the newPTA Forum is on page 8.
Further reports from the joint IMIT and PTA visit to the Steingraeber &Söhne Factory are to be found starting on page 10 with Steve Droy’s article,followed by Paul Corby’s on p12 and Eve Dumitriu’s on p13.
Benjamin Nolan, having been recently elected to the Executive Council,introduces himself in a “Meet the Council” article on page 15.
Next year’s PTA Convention is to be held in the town of Darlington.Two photographs of the town are on the front cover and an excellent articleabout Darlington is on page 16. Should you be in any doubt as to the valueof attending a Convention, David Wheeler writes eloquently giving his reasonsfor attending each year on page 18.
The Executive Council of the PTA wishes to survey the Membership andthe article p20 in conjunction with the President Writes will give you an ideaof the information being sought. I understand that an external third party maybe used to conduct the survey online which would ensure that all responseswill be completely anonymous.
As always, articles and photographs for publication are eagerly sought.Thank you to Andrew Jamieson for the photo of the mug of coffee he wasgiven by a client and to Ben Nolan for the photos of the mystery package;photos on page 20.
Finally, I look forward to meeting everyone who will be at the ScottishAutumn Dinner, 7pm for 7.30pm on 11 November, Stirling Highland Hotel.
EDITORIALANNE BURTON
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THE PRESIDENT WRITESBARRY CARADINE
“No”. Such a small word, so final and so negative. I’veheard it a lot recently. This word can also be such a positiveword when followed by “but what about….”. I believe that in order for ourAssociation to survive and thrive it has to change. Not so dramatically thatnone of us recognise it. But it has to become more appealing to the numerousnon-member tuners (so they join us), more inclusive of the whole piano trade(so our horizon broadens) and be so appealing that you cannot afford not to beinvolved in the Association.
We need a bit of blue sky thinking, not just the word “no”. The more ideasand thoughts we can put into the melting pot the better our Association willbecome. Is apathy so great that it doesn’t matter any more? If so, are we allwasting our time? This year we couldn’t even make up a full ExecutiveCouncil and an appeal to what has been a rather vocal group of IT lovers wasmet with a stony silence. I also have “no time and other commitments” but ourAssociation matters and it is something that should have a little of all of ourtime.
Soon, you will all be able to have your say and put your thoughts forward.The Executive Council is in the process of writing a survey which willhopefully be with you in early December. I urge you all to give us yourthoughts about our Association, what it means to you and what you think itshould become. We need your ideas and, yes, just a little of your time to let usknow what you think.
Of course, you can all let us have your thoughts and ideas at any time.I would love to hear them. I can easily be contacted via email [email protected]
I look forward to hearing from you.
Barry CaradinePTA President
DEADLINE FOR PTAN ARTICLES: FRIDAY 24th November 2017
Please email articles, letters and photos to: [email protected] orpost them to the address on page 3. Please email photographs in jpeg or pngformat separately. Photographs within documents generally are not of asufficiently high quality for the print process.
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MEMBERSHIP NEWSANNETTE SUMMERS
S1345 Mr Paul S Mill (new address) 31 Nutclough HEBDEN BRIDGE West Yorkshire
HX7 8HA
Please send all changes of address, telephone and email to The Secretaryusing the contact details on Page 23.
IRON/SEW-ON PTA BADGESNew iron-on or sew-on badges are available from the PTA Secretary at a costof £6 for a single badge or £10 for two. Enamel pin badges are £5 each.
Members only
USEFUL PTA [email protected] Tel: 01563 [email protected] Tel and Fax: 0845 602 [email protected] Tel: 020 8677 4422Librarian, Mr M Backhouse Tel: 01686 627970
Thank YouPTA Member 1171, Mr William Catterson, would like to express his
grateful thanks to all those Members who contacted him and particularly tothose who have helped him following his request for tools in the last PTAN.
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MAKING TAX DIGITALBY MATTHEW GOUGH
Current position regarding Submissions and Returns to HMRCI have asked my wife who is a Fully Qualified Certified Accountant
(FCCA), and as such is qualified to speak on such matters, about the currentsituation regarding Income Tax returns and this is my own summary of whatshe has told me.
The long term aim of the HMRC is to make returns totally digital(submitted online) and ideally for returns to be made quarterly plus an Annualreturn. However, this has now been deferred (as of 13th July, 2017).This follows amendments to the original proposals on MTD (Making TaxDigital) following the General Election. The Finance Bill will be introduced toParliament after their summer recess.
I understand that the situation will then be as follows:From April 2019:Businesses with a turnover above the VAT threshold, which is currently
£85,000, will be required to keep digital records and file VAT informationONLY from April 2019 (MTD for VAT).
From April 2020:All businesses will be required to keep digital records and update HMRC
quarterly for income Tax from April 2020 AT THE EARLIEST, plus submitan annual return.
All businesses will be able to VOLUNTARILY keep digital records andsubmit quarterly updates for Income Tax before their mandatory introductionif they so wish.
There has been some discussion as to whether a long term aim of theproposals is to encourage quarterly payment of income tax but the HMRChave stated that the new policy is to help in keeping records more up to date.
Please note that these are the details as I understand them as of this date ofwriting (4th August 2017). The situation may well change, as it has already.It is vital therefore that advice is sought from your qualified Financial Adviseror Accountant and not to rely at all on the above.
I hope this helps to clarify the current position.
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In the last issue of PTAN we covered signing up to ThePTA Forum, posting a topic and receiving notifications.In this issue we are going to cover the look and layout of the Forum andchanging your profile.
You may change many different options that affect the look and layout ofthe way you view the Forum, for example, you can customise the way youview postings: go to the Profile Tab – Account Settings – Modify Profile andselect and look and layout from the drop down menu. There is a selection ofoptions with check boxes which allow you to customize your view such as
‘show most recent post’ at top.Account SettingsYou may modify your account settings by going to Profile – Modify Profile
– Account Settings. These settings control access to your account, as well aswhen and how they are visible to other Members browsing the Forum.The following options are available to be modified:
▪ Email – The email address associated with your account may bechanged here.
▪ Allow users to email me – You may choose to allow other Members tocontact you via email.
▪ Show others my online status – If selected, your online status will bedisplayed in the Forum's Who's Online list.
▪ Change Password – your Password may be changed at any time. ▪ Secret Question – The secret question is used in the event that you
forget your Password. Providing the correct answer aids retrievingthe Password.
▪ Current Password – Your current Password is required to make anychanges to your account settings.
Forum ProfileYou may modify your Forum profile by going to Profile – Modify Profile –
Forum Profile. In addition to basic account settings, you also have the optionof filling in additional, more personal information. None of these fields arerequired, and you can choose to leave some or all of them blank:
▪ Avatar – An avatar is a small picture or graphic associated withyour profile.
▪ Personal Text – The personal text is usually displayed directlyunderneath your avatar when you post.
NEW PTA FORUMBY GARY WHITELAND
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▪ Birthdate – When you provide your full birthdate, your age iscalculated and displayed on your profile. If the calendar feature is enabled, it isalso placed on the calendar.
▪ Location – You may choose to give a general idea of your location. ▪ Gender – If desired, you may have your gender displayed. Selecting
the blank line will prevent any gender from being displayed. ▪ Signature – If provided, your signature is attached to the bottom of
each of your posts.You can view another Member's profile summary by selecting the
Member's name wherever it is displayed on the Forum. The following iscommonly displayed.
▪ Online Status – If a Member has not chosen to hide their online status,it is displayed.
▪ Send PM – A Member may send a private message to another Member. ▪ Show Posts – All of the posts of a particular Member. ▪ Show Stats – A Member may view various stats related to
another Member. ▪ Posts – The Forum keeps track of the number of each Member's post,
as well as an average per day. ▪ Email – A Member may choose to hide their email, in which case it is
not displayed. ▪ Personal Text – If a Member has chosen to enter personal text,
it is displayed. ▪ Age – If a Member has filled in their birth date, their age is displayed. ▪ Location – If a Member has chosen to disclose their location,
it is displayed. ▪ Date Registered – The Forum remembers when each Member
first registered. ▪ Last Active – The Forum keeps track of when a Member was
last active.
So now you know how to customise the way you view The Forum and howto change your profile.
To join The Forum – please follow the link below:http://ptaForum.uk/index.php?action=registerPlease scroll down, click the term and conditions, you will then be taken to
another page where you will be asked to provide a Username (please use youractual name), your email and a Password. The PTA Forum is hostedindependently of the PTA website so you will need a new Username andPassword to use for the Forum. You will receive a confirmation email whenyour registration has been approved.
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After a hearty breakfast the group made the short walk from the hotel tothe Steingraeber factory. It was a fine hot summer day and many IMITmembers were sporting their shorts — some even with the customary socksand sandals combo. As soon as we entered the splendid building it was clearthat this was an establishment based on generations of world class quality.The Steingraeber family headed by Eduard, started making pianos in Bayreuthin 1852 and have been awarded the highest prizes all the way to the presentday. We were greeted by our genial host Udo Schmidt-Steingraeber, a sixthgeneration family member who took over the business in 1980. His charm wasmatched only by his wide ranging knowledge of not only the history of theSteingraeber pianos, but of the whole piano trade going back to the 18thcentury, as well as detailed technical understanding of the instrument.After the talk, Udo treated us to some fine playing of some of the historicinstruments in their collection including the Liszt Grand piano and the Opus 1,designed by the founder in 1852, a revolutionary masterpiece of its day,combining the English and Viennese actions. I was struck by just how muchthe instruments had evolved from the 1850s to the 1880s, with each decade therich tone and power of the instrument improved and by the turn of the century,some quality makers were already making instruments comparable to today’spianos in terms of tone, power and expressive potential.
We proceeded from Steingraeber Haus over the road to the factory premises.I was shocked to see the small scale of operations, compared to the Pearl Riverfactory or even Steinway in Hamburg; this was very much still little more thana cottage industry. Each instrument was literally hand made in a humanproduction line, with experienced craftsmen each adding their expertise.Most of the technicians had been working in the factory for decades, eachcontributing their unique touches to the final product. With productionnumbers as low as 150 Uprights and Grands per year, it was easy to see whythese fine instruments are so highly prized. The thing I found most interestingwas that as well as the commitment to tradition and quality production, theSteingraeber philosophy was also very progressive. The family hadchampioned the use of carbon fibre soundboards on their Phoenix Grand andhad developed the use of magnets in the tip of the Jack and Butt assembly,making a faster repetition than would be possible with spiral springs.
JOINT IMIT/PTA VISIT TO THESTEINGRAEBER & SÖHNE FACTORYBY STEVE DROY, PAUL CORBY AND EVE DUMITRIU
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They also claimed that the jack was ready to play the next note with a depth oftouch just 1mm off the front baize, even on their uprights. There were someless successful experiments however. A bespoke piano fitted with iron woundbass strings has a few duff sounding notes, which would have to be rectifiedand a number of members commented that their bridge capo innovation lookeda bit too much like a Collen Broadwood for comfort and they wouldn’t fancychanging a string a few years down the line. Perhaps the most impressiveinnovation was the soundboard transducer, which allowed the soundboard ofthe piano to be used like a giant speaker. The pianist could literally play alongwith a computer accompanied by other sounds being heard through thesoundboard of the same instrument. You could also download a recording of afamous pianist and listen to it as if it was being played on your own grandpiano. My favourite was the grand lid made of lightweight aircraft material,which reflected the sound beautifully and saved on the arm ache!
All in all, it was a very enjoyable visit and I would encourage anyone whohas the opportunity to visit the factory in the future to do so. It was veryrefreshing to see such fine quality traditional production combined with a keeninterest in pushing piano design to the limit. It is very rare in this day and ageto see six and even seven generations of one family still actively involved inthe family business and very inspiring to hear these fine instruments stillthrilling pianists and audiences in concert halls around the world.
By Steve Droy
Steingraeber’s photograph “Werkstatt Zeilmann”
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In Pursuit of Excellence
In all fields of life there are many companies that claim to chase theelusive goal of excellence! For example, Porsche cars, Rolex watches, LouisVuitton luggage, to name but a few. However, Steingraeber pianos take thissearch to a new level. With a history that takes the firm back to 1820Steingraeber & Shone are the second oldest piano manufacture in the world.It was Eduard Steingraeber that moved the production from Rudolstadt toBayreuth when he bought the current factory in 1852.
Looking around the factory it soon became obvious that there was more tothis building than just a factory. Then we were introduced to the current ownerUdo Steingraeber, a suave, charismatic, smartly dressed man in his 50s andI knew that we were in for a real treat. Udo lead us up to the grand salons thatadorn the upper floors of this building where you can see an array of vintagepianos chronicling the history of the firms production, for example theSteingraeber Liszt grand piano and the founder’s opus No 1 masterpiece.Udo’s open-door policy extended to every piano in this collection and we wereactively encouraged to examine these rare pianos and even play them.You very soon become aware of Udo’s passion for this instrument and thispassion is replicated in every one of his employees. Working together as onefamily, constantly striving for perfection in everything that they do.
Far from taking the executive back seat Udo becomes involved in everystep of the manufacturing process from personally voicing his pianos toworking on the development of the latest technology. Steingraeber activelywelcomes new technologies such assoundboard transducers, aluminium lids ongrand pianos and inserting magnets into jacksto improve repetition, but don’t worry they stillmake traditional pianos carefully preserving theknowledge and craftsmanship they have gainedover many generations. This is most obvious inthe veneer workshop where you can seecraftsmen combining traditional wood withpolyester in the same case, truly inspirational!
Today the family, Udo and CordeliaSchmidt-Steingraeber, and their children Fannyand Alban, continue this great tradition of pianomanufacturing, making pianos that are ground-breaking in terms of style and technology.
By Paul CorbySteingraeber Family Photograph
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There are many reasons to visit the festival city of Bayreuth in Germany:the Bayreuth Piano Festival, the Wagner Festival, Richard Wagner and FranzLiszt’s Museum, the baroque architecture, palaces and gardens, the MargravialOpera House built by Margravine (Princess) Wilhelmine in a unique rococostyle, but most importantly the Steingraeber & Söhne PianoFactory. The upright and grand pianos handcrafted here areamong the finest instruments manufactured nowadays.
The Steingraeber & Söhne story started in 1820 whenthe piano factory was located in Thuringia.
Eduard Steingraeber (second generation Steingraeber)gained his main experience in Vienna, moved to Bayreuthin 1852, and founded the pianoforte factory. He combinedthe “Viennese” and “English” actions and produced hisrevolutionary piano, the “opus 1”. Since 1867 Steingraeberpianos have been awarded international prizes on a regular basis.
In 1875 Richard Wagner ordered a piano, and from 1876, Steingraebersupplied pianos for the Bayreuth Opera Festival. In 1886 Steingraeberdelivered Franz Liszt’s last Steingraeber grand piano, a model 205, productionnumber 4328.
We were greeted by Udo Schmidt-Steingraeber, the sixth generation familymember, who started as an “Apprentice Boss” in 1980. Udo studied the craftof building pianos from the age of 10.
It was very interesting to see and listen to some of Steingraeber’s oldmodels of pianos. Throughout music history pianos were built in accordancewith composers’ need. For example, Beethoven used a Broadwood for his lastSonatas, a Walter was the best piano during W. A. Mozart’s lifetime but FranzSchubert was so poor that he could not afford a good piano.
This piano manufacturer’s main focus is to represent the contemporary time,but also the romantic time. Udo explained that there are thousands ofcomposers and millions of piano players in the world and that there is noaction that suits everybody. Steingraeber & Söhne Pianos produceapproximately 40 grand pianos and 70 upright pianos a year, but since thecompany was founded, they have built over 40,000 grand and upright pianos.
Steingraeber make their pianos differently because they know that theyhave to produce a different sound for the 300 years of musical history.They realised that they must increase the vibration into the piano.
We were taken to all the departments and witnessed the piano buildingprocess and found it particularly fascinating the way that they buildsoundboards. Steingraeber believe that the lighter the lid is, the better thesound will become. The glue they use can cope with any weather conditions.
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The bridge pins come from a little factory in Nuremberg. Only 2 pins are usedon the upright,one in front and one at the back, and 3 pins in grand pianos.
Amongst the numerous improvements to their pianos is the world’s lightestconcert grand lid, which by using aircraft material that reduces its weight bymore than 50% has also increased the ability to vibrate.
All materials used come only from reliable sources. It is easier to get thewood nowadays, as the furniture culture slowly disappears. The different typesof wood that they use for cabinet work include the Indian Apple, the EastIndian Rosewood and the European Apples, etc.
On the second day of our visit we continued our visit to the factory withAlex Kerstan, Head of Production. Alex demonstrated the way they check thevibration of the soundboard. He also made an impressive demonstration ofseveral experiments on their pianos. We were invited to play the pianos in theshowroom; this was also an amazing experience.
We are grateful to Udo Steingraeber, Alex Kerstan and Steingraeber’s teamof piano builders for offering us a unique chance to gain more knowledge intothe complex work of building pianos at a very high standard.
Steingraeber & Söhne Pianos pioneering design and superb quality areshipped all over the world. One of their dealers is Hurstwood Farm PianoStudios in Kent TN15 8TA, where experimental models of pianos can be seenand played. You may be interested to attend recitals and concerts which takeplace at the Hurstwood Farm Concert Hall.
By Eve Dumitriu
Sand test demonstration
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MEET THE COUNCIL, BENJAMIN E. NOLAN
At the age of 15, I was fortunate enough to be accepted onto the pianotuning, maintenance and repair course at Newark Technical College.Needless to say, I was 16 before I started the course in September 1977,overseen (or heard) by the great Cyril Marris. The more numerically literatecan now work out my age. I’m still 16 inside.
After my training, I worked for a couple of firms, but quickly realised thebest path as atuner was to beself-employed.Mansfield waswhere myparents livedso provided theidealopportunity tobegin. The firstnorthern town,things were noteasy, but aninternationallyfamous girls’choir(Cantamus) wasmy lifeline.
I took and passed the PTA Test at Newark in 1984 and served on theExecutive Council for several years after that. Martin Locke and I examinedmany PTA Tests at Newark College during the 1980s. At the same time, I wasintroduced to Blüthner pianos by a friend. I undertook a tuning test with themand served their East Midlands tuning round from 1984-2004.
For a couple of years (1989-1991) I taught tuning to final year students atNewark College, but when offered a full-time position, I realised life on theroad was more my style.
Having had an interesting engagement with Steinway & Sons in the early2000s, I was fortunate enough to work with the likes of Lang Lang, AndrásSchiff, Peter Donohoe and Anthony Goldstone. My regular clients, bothprivate and institutional, provide me with a sustainable income.
I love my work and look forward to being of help to the PTA through myelection to the Executive Council.
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PTA CONVENTION, 9TH TO 12TH MAY 2018
2018 sees the PTA Convention heading 248 miles north east of Londonto Darlington, ‘Cradle of theRailways’. An area renowned forits rich engineering history in anoften forgotten, but beautiful, partof the British Isles.
This famous town first appearsin records as an Anglo Saxonsettlement. By the 17th century thetown and surrounding area havebecome popular with the Quakerfraternity who, by the 1800’s, had created an influential and wealthycommunity. The best known among them being Edward Pease.His plan, in the early 19th Century, to build a canal for the shipment of coalfrom South Durham to the mouth of the Tees was rejected by the localbusinessmen. Undeterred, his next suggestion, of using steam locomotives,was accepted. Pease employed thefamous Tyneside engineer, GeorgeStephenson, to design bothlocomotives and railway. TheStockton to Darlington Railwayopened on 27th September 1825and the rest is history. The original
‘Locomotion Number One’ can stillbe seen, along with three otherengines, at the ‘Head of Steam’Museum located at Darlington railway station.
The town’s strong engineering links are further demonstrated by it bridgebuilding, an industry which was exported worldwide. The town has an equallystrong link with journalism and is home to both ‘The Northern Echo’ and the
‘Darlington & Stockton Times’Whilst firmly in the Tees valley, the river running through the town is
actually a tributary of the Tees, the river Skerne, which rises in the east ofCounty Durham north of Sedgefield near the former colliery. Close to theconfluence of these two rivers is the site of the famous ‘Hell Kettles’, threesupposedly bottomless pits said to have been created by an earthquake in 1179.These pits, according to local folk lore, are full of green, boiling sulphurous
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water, home to pike and eels which feed on the flesh of anyone or thingunfortunate enough to fall in.
Within the town there is: ‘South Park’, a grade II registered historic park;David Mach’s life-size brick sculpture of an A4 Pacific “Mallard”
Locomotive; the ‘Head of SteamMuseum’, formerly known as theDarlington Railway Centre andMuseum, and for those with apassion for beer, Darlington boastsfour micro-breweries. Within 30minutes of the Convention venuecan be found Raby Castle with its
extensive grounds and gardens; Drinkfield Marsh Nature Reserve andWalworth Castle. While if you venue just a little further you are within easyreach of Durham to the north, North Pennines AONB (Area of OutstandingNatural Beauty) to the north west, North York Moors to the south east and theYorkshire Dales to the south west.
Of course anyone attending the Convention will not have time to exploreall these wonders as the programme of classes and speakers will hopefullyprove too good to be missed. Blackwell Grange, Darlington, DL3 8QH
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FROM NORWAY WITH LOVEBY DAVID WHEELER
Why do I travel to the UK from Norway each year forthe PTA Convention? I grew up in Australia and never really knew what career might suit me.After working as a professional gardener for a number of years I, at the age of30, began helping a friend who was a piano tuner and member of the AmericanPTG. Always interested in music but never willing to practise enough, I sawthis as a possibility of being in touch with the music world in another way.I was hooked and spent time studying and finding out all I could about theworld of piano tuning and repairs. Suddenly my life had changed and I becamea Member of the Australian Tuners’ Association in Melbourne.
After some years my wife (who is Norwegian) and I decided we wouldmove to Norway. We relocated in 1988 and that is when my career verygradually began to take off. As many tuners no doubt have found, building anetwork of customers can take some time. However at a certain point peopleget to know about you, suddenly there can be plenty of private work, concertwork at venues that begin to trust you, plus schools etc. etc. In one way it is quite social and I’ve enjoyed good contact with the peopleI have tuned for. However I realised I had very few people with whom I coulddiscuss the ins and outs of piano tuning and repairs. We can be quite alone inour tuning world.
I could have joined the Scandinavian associations but with my Australian/English background I thought I would see if there was an association in theUK. With Ryanair flying directly from my town to Stansted (although nolonger, I'm afraid) it seemed very attractive to try and join the PTA.I eventually passed the entry test and joined. Little did I realise how much was
waiting for me on becoming a Memberof the PTA and attending the annualConventions.
This was my discovery:1. A wealth of classes available at theConventions.2. I discovered a welcoming group ofvery interesting people having varyingdegrees of expertise with whom todiscuss the problems we all come across
— little did I realise how much we can infact find to discuss — it is endless!
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3. Conventions are held in pleasant hotels in many different towns so one hasthe chance to taste and explore the UK as well (especially if you allow a fewextra days).4. Apart from the Conventions, specialist day classes and tours to factoriestake place from time to time during the year.5. The knowledge available through the PTA Conventions adds enormously towhat one learns after the initial first years of theory and practice wherever onehas trained. Many of the subtleties involved in repairs, regulation andrestoration can be gone into in depth, plus one is in touch with the piano tradein general.6. The Convention is also a chance to stock up on new parts and tools fromthe suppliers.7. Partners are welcome at theConventions and we are all together formost meals, making a very pleasantatmosphere. Often we are entertainedwith an evening concert. For thosewishing to attend there is also theAnnual General Meeting on the last daybefore the final Convention lunch.8. I view it as part of my ongoingfurther education.
Well worth a flight from Norway!
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PTA MEMBERSHIP QUESTIONNAIRE 2017
About thirty years ago the PTA Executive Council asked the widerMembership what it thought about the PTA. Now in 2017 it seems appropriateto consult the Membership once again.
We need a candid appraisal of the Association from its Membership and thewider trade. Is the PTA relevant today? Is it good value for money? What isthe role of the Association in the modern world? How does the Associationmove forward? Does the Association have a future?
As the vast majority of the Membership has an email address, we areproposing to hold an electronic survey. For those who have kept away fromthis dark magic, we will post a copy. Initially it had been hoped this could bedone swiftly, however it seems crafting succinct questions takes a little time.
The success of a survey depends on its promotion prior to being sent andits ability to evoke a positive response. Therefore it seems sensible to informyou, the readership of PTA News, that hopefully in the not too distant future,you will be cordially invited by the Executive Council to share your views onthe PTA with us.
So in advance of this event, please spare a few moments to considerthe PTA and what it means to you. If this process compels you to shareyour thoughts sooner, then please do not hesitate to contact our Secretary,Annette Summers. You do not need to wait to be asked and we would love toknow what you think, good and bad, as long as it can be presented in aconstructive way.
All comments submitted will be confidential.
A Piano Tuner’s Coffee Cup
Mystery Package
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The Meeting of the Executive Council was held on 30th September, 2017 atRobert Morley & Co Ltd., Lewisham.Present were: Barry Caradine (President), Andrew Giller (Vice-President),Annette Summers (Secretary/Treasurer), Andrew Jamieson and Tania Staite(Trustees), Roberta Caradine, Ben Nolan, Nigel Polmear (Members),Lewis Flisher (Hon Council Member).Apologies were received from Sean McLoughlin.The President welcomed everyone to the Meeting.The Minutes of the last EC Meeting were approved as were all matters arisingrelated to agenda items.The Treasurer's report was unanimously approved.Correspondence had been received regarding a link to the PTA website. It wasagreed that this subject should be reviewed but the initial request should berefused at this time.A PTA Patron requested to join the Forum. Council agreed that the Forumshould be open to all associated with the Association.There were no Test results but two are Tests booked for November.A Technician Test was underway in the Morley’s workshop during the ECMeeting.Reports from Delegated Duties had been submitted prior to the Meeting to freeup Council time.Advertising and PR has acquired old PTA advertising copy to use withimmediate effect and a new colour design is to be sought.PTA Publications Advertising – new rates have been provided for Council’sinformation.Complaints – happily no complaints have been received.Continual Professional Development – an outline programme of events hasbeen drawn up.Conventions – the draft prospectus for 2018 is nearly ready and a potentialvenue for 2019 has been found near Bedford.Europiano – nothing to report. 45 people will be attending the ScottishAutumn Dinner, 7pm for 7.30pm on Saturday 11 November, which coincideswith the EP Delegates Meeting this year.Library – nothing to report.Membership Test – there is new paperwork and a subcommittee Meeting is tobe held at Morley’s at noon on 21st October.
PTA COUNCIL REPORTROBERTA CARADINE
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Contact had been made with Newark College with regard to it being an optionfor a PTA Test site and it was confirmed that John Lord has retired as Head ofDepartment. The course has become a degree course, BA (Hons) MusicalInstrument Craft, under the umbrella of Hull University.PTA News – as always articles and photos are sought.Website & Social Media – a quote to obtain the Membership Database in SQLformat was provided by ITSimple at £380 plus VAT. A request from aMember to upgrade the Tuning Reminder System available to Membersthrough the PTA website was considered too expensive at £420 plus VAT,especially as it appears this facility is used by few Members.Yearbook – nothing to report.2017 Membership survey was discussed at greater length. A two weekdeadline was set for views on the questions submitted and additionalsuggestions to be submitted by EC Members via email with the intention ofhaving the final draft ready for the November Meeting. The final survey willbe conducted electronically, wherever possible, as it is important that the ECgets the feedback it needs from the Membership. Absolute anonymity willbe maintained.New Membership category – Barry prompted a discussion relating to PTAStudents who had completed their training but who, due to the five year rule,were not yet eligible to take the Test. This sparked a lively debate and is set tobe an Agenda Item for the next Meeting.Any other business – Andrew Jamieson requested a flyer promoting the 2018Convention should be produced for circulation at the Europiano DelegatesMeeting in November.The Meeting concluded just before 3pm.The next Executive Council Meeting is scheduled for Saturday 25th November2017 at 12 o’clock at Robert Morley & Co Ltd., Lewisham.Observers are welcome at all Council Meetings.A full copy of the Minutes is available from the PTA Secretary.
PTA COUNCIL REPORTCONTINUED
The Meeting was sustained with corny puns thanks to Nigel Polmear and home-baked shortbread andpeanut butter cookies. Recipes not available!
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PTA Membership Test Subcommittee MeetingNoon on Saturday 21st October at Robert Morley & Co Ltd, Lewisham
Scottish Autumn Dinner, 7.30pm Saturday 11th November7pm for 7.30 at Stirling Highland Hotel, Spittal Street, Stirling FK8 1DU
Executive Council MeetingNoon on Saturday 25th November at Robert Morley & Co Ltd, Lewisham
Executive Council MeetingNoon on Saturday 27th January 2018 at Robert Morley & Co Ltd, Lewisham
Executive Council MeetingNoon on Saturday 24th March 2018 at Robert Morley & Co Ltd, Lewisham
Convention with A.G.M. 10th to 12th May 2018,Blackwell Grange Hotel, Darlington
Convention with A.G.M. May 2019Suggestions for suitable classes welcome.
For enquiries, PTA goods, changes of address or contact details:Mrs Annette Summers, PTA SecretaryPO Box 230HAILSHAMBN27 9EATel: 0845 602 8796 Email: [email protected]
PTA DIARY OF EVENTS
PTA Executive Council 2017Front: Andrew Giller (Vice-President), Barry Caradine (President), Annette Summers (Secretary and Treasurer)
Back : Shaun McLoughlin, Roberta Caradine, Andrew Jamieson, Ben Nolan, Nigel Polmear, Tania Staite, Lewis Flisher
