Hands-on training that includes 14 different stations with video instruction focusing on commonly encountered piano problems. 

You will choose which stations to work on, how long to stay there, and if you want help or not. Several facilitators will be available to help you get back on track if necessary. Otherwise, we will not interrupt your unique learning process.

Participants will receive a link to an introductory video that will explain how the event is set up and how to stream the videos. You will need to bring a Wi-Fi enabled device and earbuds (and preferably headphones) to make the videos easier to hear.

Though these stations are basic tasks, they are not always easy, especially if you don't do them often. Whether you're new to this trade or a seasoned technician, there will be stations here for everyone. A good piano technician returns to basic tasks often. An exceptional piano technician returns to basic tasks VERY often. This HOT TIP event is that kind of opportunity.

Since we all learn from each other, your questions will help us understand what material we need to modify to be more effective next time. We welcome your feedback.

1. Hands-On Bridge Recapping - Ken Eschete, RPT

2. Grab-Bag Session - Ken Eschete, RPT

3. Piano Moving 101 - David Stocker, RPT

4. Hearing Health and Ear Protection - David Stocker, RPT & Dianne Hofstetter

5. 6-Pack of Mini Technicals - John Dorr, RPT

6. The Traveling Piano Technician - John Dorr, RPT

7. Understanding the Grand Wippen - Jay Hogan, RPT

8. Charming the Customer - Jay Hogan, RPT

9. The Puzzle of Assessing the Needs of a Piano - Kenn Wilde, RPT

10. Career Options in Piano Technology - Kenn Wilde, RPT

11. Harpsichord Basics - Max Biggs, RPT

12. Practical Keytop Replacement - Nathan Jensen, RPT

13. Grand Regulation Made Easy - Jim Busby, RPT

14. Wholistic Voicing - Jim Busby RPT

15. Upright Regulation Essentials - Ryan Sowers, RPT

16. Tuning Instability / Tuning Stability - Yuri Melekh, RPT

17. The Piano Technicians Playground

Ken Eschete, RPT
Hands-on Bridge Recapping

Elevate your piano repair expertise with this hands-on class led by nationally recognized conservator and technician Ken Eschete, RPT! Using custom practice jigs, you'll master bridge recapping—a key technique for restoring tone, stability, and longevity in pianos affected by wear or misalignment.

This two-part session combines expert instruction with practical experience:

Part I: Focused Lecture

A concise PowerPoint covers the theory of down-bearing and bridge acoustics, optimal materials, essential tools, proven methods, and common troubleshooting tips.

Part II: Hands-On Practice

At dedicated stations, you'll actively perform the steps:

• Setting precise down-bearing

• Drilling accurate bridge pin holes

• Notching for perfect string seating

With small groups and personalized guidance, you'll build confidence and precision. All tools and materials provided!

Limited to 24 participants—secure your spot soon for this popular class at the 2026 Washington State PTG Hands-On Seminar! Email pnw.ptg@gmail.com to reserve your spot!

The Grab-Bag Session!

Get ready for a fun, fast-paced surprise finale to the seminar! In this lively demo class, Ken Eschete, RPT, shares his collection of unique tools, clever jigs, and innovative techniques that make piano work easier, faster, and more precise—drawn from years of hands-on experience in conservation and repair.

It's not just watching—it's participating! Attendees will get the thrill of reaching into the grab bag for a chance to win free prizes, tools, gadgets, and special items that Ken has generously brought along.

Perfect addition for the weekend with inspiration, laughs, and some unexpected goodies to take home. This popular session is always a highlight—don't miss it!

David Stocker, RPT
Piano Moving 101

Master the essentials of safe and efficient piano moving in this practical, hands-on class led by experienced Registered Piano Technician David Stocker, RPT, who brings over 40 years of real-world expertise moving pianos of all shapes and sizes. Perfect for technicians new to moving or those refining their skills, this session focuses on handling uprights and grand pianos with confidence, precision, and minimal risk.

Key topics include:

• Essential Tools & Equipment — What you really need (and smart, space-saving alternatives).

• Safe Lifting & Maneuvering — Proper body mechanics, team coordination, and injury prevention.

• Disassembly & Preparation — Removing legs, lyre, pedals, action, and protecting the instrument.

• Stair Navigation & Tight Spaces — Reliable techniques for doorways, hallways, and stairs.

• Loading & Transport — Securing pianos safely in trucks, trailers, or vans.

• Reassembly & Final Checks — Quick steps to ensure stability and readiness to play on arrival.

Expect live demonstrations, group practice, and invaluable insights drawn from David's four decades of experience. All tools and equipment provided—no need to bring your own!

Hearing Protection & Ear Health for Piano Technicians

Taught by David Stocker, RPT and Diane Hofstetter

Protect your most valuable tool—your hearing—in this essential class co-taught by David Stocker, RPT (with over 40 years of piano moving and tuning experience) and Diane Hofstetter, RPT, a veteran piano technician of 39 years who also serves as an Occupational Hearing Conservationist and Hearing Instrument Specialist.

This practical session explores the unique hearing risks in the piano tuning industry, from prolonged exposure to high-decibel strikes during tuning and repairs to the cumulative effects over a career. You'll learn:

• The Science of Hearing Damage — How piano sound levels (often exceeding safe limits) contribute to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and tinnitus.

• Prevention Strategies — Best practices for protecting your ears while maintaining the accuracy needed for precise aural tuning.

• Ear Protection Options — Reviews of musician-grade earplugs, custom molds, filtered devices, and advanced solutions that preserve pitch perception and beat detection.

• Hearing Health Tips — Daily habits, monitoring tools, and when to seek professional help, including insights from Diane's dual expertise in tuning and hearing healthcare.

• Real-World Applications — Tips tailored for tuners, technicians, and concert work to keep your ears healthy for the long haul.

Expect demonstrations, product samples, discussion, and actionable advice to safeguard your hearing without compromising your craft. This class is a must for anyone who values longevity in the profession!

John Dorr, RPT
A 6-Pack of Technicals
An Issac Sadigursky Tribute Class

Isaac Sadigursky's "Six-Pack" classes were legendary—filled to the brim with very practical and usable information, not to mention good humor. This class is a nod to Isaac, R.I.P. It will contain at least six mini-technical presentations, including some of Isaac's best and some of John Dorr's best. Subjects will be wide-ranging, including tools and how to pack them, tuning, repairs, voicing, regulation, Dampp-Chaser installation and troubleshooting, etiquette with customers, and more. With Isaac there was always more!

In 1974, Isaac Sadigursky, his wife Raya (a classical pianist), and their young daughter fled the USSR with only $200 in his pocket, escaping a tightly controlled communist system where he had secretly tuned pianos as an illegal side hustle—earning 30–40 rubles per job when the average monthly wage was just 120 rubles—to fund their immigration to Los Angeles, California. There, starting with no formal piano tech background or financial backing, he pursued training, joined the Piano Technicians Guild in 1975, became a Registered Piano Technician, and built a thriving career through ingenuity with tools, encyclopedic knowledge of repairs and tuning, and a deep commitment to mentoring others—earning him the prestigious Golden Hammer Award, the PTG's highest honor, as a shining example of the immigrant dream realized through dedication and generosity in the piano world.

The Traveling Piano Technician

Living in the wide-open state of Montana, these three presenters (John Dorr, David Larson, and Nancy Scow) find themselves traveling many hundreds of miles to small towns and remote farms and ranches where there are no technicians available. It's a wonderful feeling to be appreciated, and there is a lot of money to be made on long-neglected pianos! 

This class will be an organized panel discussion covering marketing, scheduling, food and lodging, packing tools and supplies, pricing, and probably more. There's always more on the road! Make a living—and a good one—as a highly appreciated traveling technician with no competition.

Jay Hogan, RPT
Understanding the Grand Wippen

Dive deep into the heart of the grand piano action with this engaging presentation on the grand wippen—the pivotal component that makes modern grand piano performance possible!

Explore the fascinating history and development of the wippen, from early piano actions to the revolutionary innovations that shaped today's instruments. Gain a clearer understanding of the repetition lever and the groundbreaking double escapement mechanism (pioneered by Sébastien Érard in the early 19th century), which allows for lightning-fast note repetition without fully releasing the key—unlocking expressive possibilities for pianists worldwide.

This class blends historical context, mechanical insights, and practical explanations to help technicians better diagnose, regulate, and appreciate the grand action's core functionality. Perfect for anyone wanting to strengthen their foundational knowledge of grand piano mechanics!

Charming the Customer

In the piano service world, technical skill is essential—but so is building trust and inspiring confidence with every client interaction! This uplifting presentation serves as a motivational pep talk on the many subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways to wow your customers and make them feel valued.

Even when clients don't fully grasp the intricacies of piano technology, they notice everything else: your professionalism, attention to detail, communication, appearance, timeliness, and the little extras that show you care. Learn practical strategies to:

• Present yourself and your work in a way that builds instant credibility

• Communicate clearly about services, value, and results

• Handle questions, concerns, and expectations with grace

• Turn routine service calls into memorable, positive experiences

• Foster long-term loyalty through thoughtful touches that go beyond the tuning

This class is an energizing reminder that great technicians aren't just fixing pianos—they're creating satisfied clients who become advocates. A must-attend for anyone looking to elevate their business and customer relationships!

Kenn Wildes, RPT
The Puzzle of Assessing the Needs of a Piano

Every piano and client is unique. This practical class teaches you how to accurately assess what a piano truly needs and communicate recommendations clearly and confidently—whether for a private owner, showroom instrument, insurance estimate, appraisal, beginner or advanced player, or small vs. large budget.

You'll learn to:

• Evaluate the full instrument systematically (action, keys, strings, soundboard, bridges, pinblock, case)

• Spot hidden issues that impact tone, playability, and longevity

• Prioritize repairs: must-do now vs. later

• Tailor options to the client's goals, budget, and piano's value

• Explain technical needs in plain language

• Build trust with honest, transparent proposals and realistic expectations

Packed with real-world examples and communication tips, this session helps you turn any inspection into a clear, client-friendly plan that protects your reputation and satisfies the customer.

Essential for technicians who want to excel at both the technical and people sides of piano service!

Career Options in Piano Technology

Discover the many rewarding paths in piano technology! This comprehensive class explores career options, the pros/cons of each, and practical steps to get started.

Options include:

• Tuning

• Repair & regulation

• Partial or full restoration

• Piano moving

• Sales & dealership work

• Player piano systems

• Refinishing, touch-up & case repair

• Business organization & independent practice

• And more (concert tech, voicing, institutional roles)

Learn what each role involves, income potential, required skills/training (PTG resources, apprenticeships, schools), and how to begin—whether aiming for flexible self-employment or steady institutional positions.

Ideal for newcomers, career changers, or experienced techs looking to expand or specialize in this unique and fulfilling field!

Max Biggs, RPT
Harpsichord Basics

Discover the fundamentals of harpsichord maintenance and repair in this hands-on introductory class! Perfect for piano technicians interested in expanding into historical keyboard instruments or those already working with harpsichords who want to build confidence in everyday care.

This session covers:

• Basic Part Understanding — Learn the key components of the harpsichord action, including jacks, registers, keyboards, soundboard, bridges, and the differences between single-manual and double-manual instruments.

• Regulation — Step-by-step guidance on adjusting touch, quill depth, damper control, and overall responsiveness to achieve even, reliable performance.

• Making Replacement Strings and Plectra — Practical techniques for creating custom brass or iron strings, plus cutting, shaping, and voicing plectra from bird quill, Delrin, or modern alternatives to restore authentic tone and playability.

Expect clear explanations, demonstrations, and plenty of opportunity to handle parts and try techniques yourself. This class demystifies the harpsichord and equips you with essential skills for servicing these beautiful instruments.

A great entry point for piano techs looking to diversify their expertise!

Nathan Jensen, RPT
Practical Keytop Replacement

You really can replace keytops yourself—and it's one of the most rewarding repairs you can offer! Keytops are where the pianist directly connects with the instrument, and worn, cracked, yellowed, or chipped tops are a common problem on vintage and older pianos. This hands-on class shows you how to restore them to like-new condition, improving both appearance and feel.

In this practical workshop, you'll work on real keys under expert guidance. You'll learn:

• Safe removal of old keytops without damaging the key wood

• Precise gluing, and fitting techniques

• Shaping, leveling, and polishing for a smooth, professional finish

All tools, materials, and practice keys are provided—no need to bring anything. By the end, you'll have the confidence and skills to tackle keytop replacements in your own shop, saving time and money while delivering high-value service to clients.

A must-take for technicians who service vintage or frequently played pianos!

Jim Busby, RPT
Grand Regulation Made Easy
Tips and Tricks to Cut Your Time in Half

Tired of grand regulation feeling like an endless marathon? This practical, demonstration-focused class shares proven shortcuts, smart sequencing, and real-world techniques that let experienced technicians dramatically reduce regulation time—often by half—while delivering consistent, high-quality results.

You'll get actionable advice on:

• The smartest order of operations

• Quick diagnostic checks that spot major issues fast

• Tool setups and hacks that shave seconds (and hours) off every step

• Realistic regulation targets that work in everyday shop conditions

• Common time-wasters and how to avoid them

• Pro shortcuts for final touch adjustments

This is shop-tested efficiency at its best—no fluff, just clear demonstrations and explanations designed for busy technicians who want professional results faster. Bring your questions and leave ready to turn your next grand regulation from a marathon into a sprint.

Perfect for intermediate to advanced techs looking to boost speed, consistency, and profitability!

Wholistic Voicing 

This practical voicing class focuses on efficient, real-world techniques to dramatically improve piano tone, drawing from anechoic chamber studies and proven methods.

You'll explore the 5 most impactful elements:

• Insights from anechoic chamber research showing which aspects of piano work (especially hammer-to-string mating) have the greatest effect on tone

• Super-efficient hammer shaping techniques that restore ideal crown profiles quickly and uniformly

• The critical importance of precise hammer-to-string mating for clear, powerful, and balanced sound

• Time-saving "squeeze" voicing and other modern shortcuts for faster, consistent results

• A streamlined workflow combining needling, filing, string prep, and regulation tweaks to achieve excellent tone without hours of work

This demonstration-based session delivers shop-tested tips for both vertical and grand pianos, helping you make everyday instruments sound great and impress clients with minimal time investment.

A favorite from PTG convention and seminar teaching—gain evidence-based voicing skills that make a real difference!

Ryan Sowers, RPT

Upright Regulation Essentials

This straightforward class helps you regulate upright pianos more effectively, with a focus on stability, client happiness, and practical results.

Key topics include:

• The critical importance of regulating samples

• How to avoid common pitfalls. 

• What clients notice and value most: how to prioritize for maximum benefit. 

• Simple ways to keep everyday pianos regulated between full jobs

• When it's okay to bend the "official" specs for older, worn, or budget pianos

As once said by a prominent piano industry retailer: "A technician who can regulate is worth their weight in gold

Yuri Melekh, RPT

Tuning Instability / Tuning Stability

This two‑part class takes a deep look at what is arguably the most important aspect of our work as piano technicians: tuning stability. No matter how accurate a tuning may be in the moment, it has little value if it doesn’t hold. Stability is the foundation on which all other aspects of tuning rest.

Part One examines why pianos go out of tune. Yuri will break down the mechanical, structural, and environmental factors that contribute to instability, along with the subtle behaviors of strings, bearing points, and action components that can undermine even a careful tuning.

Part Two focuses on what technicians can do to make their tunings last longer. Yuri will share practical methods for improving stability, strengthening your results, and building a reputation for tunings that not only sound good at the moment of completion but continue to perform reliably over time.

This session is designed to give technicians at every level a clearer understanding of the forces at play and the tools needed to produce durable, dependable work.