About
I graduated from Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, PA in 1979, with a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education. I was interested in how the piano worked so I took a correspondent course in Piano Tuning and Repair. After finishing the course I apprenticed with the late Paul Thomas in my senior year, who was the piano technician for the university at that time. Under his tutelage I was able to work on both upright and grand piano actions, also to do some repairs like putting on a set of white key tops and action regulation. He also helped with my tuning technique and was always willing to answer my many questions. About a year and a half after I graduated I enlisted in the Marine Field Band and was stationed at Quantico, VA, as a trumpet player, where I served 4 year enlistment.
Upon my Honorable discharge of the Marine Corp. I stayed in the Fredericksburg, VA area and pursued my passion for piano work. I joined the PTG, Piano Technician's Guild, which is a national organization for the benefit of pianos. Through membership of the PTG and classes offered at the local Richmond, VA chapter, I learned how to do everything from simple repairs to rebuilding a piano. I hold their RPT title, which stands for Registered Piano Technician, in which I had to go through a serious of three tests given by the PTG. The tests included a written test, a bench test, and a tuning test, all of which had to be passed in a certain amount of time and score.
I have been privileged to work with piano dealerships like Jordan Kitts Music and Creative Music as well as being mentored by the late Doug Henderson and Jim DeRoacher both of whom had long standing piano businesses in the Fredericksburg Area. I would also like to say thank you to the Richmond Piano chapter where I received and am still receiving great educational benefits and camaraderie. The biggest assets for my business are the ongoing relationships I have with the PTG through the many friends, mentors, and educational benefits that I have received and continue to cherish over the years.