I have been providing services to piano owners since 1981. I completed technical training with a correspondence course and then was mentored by Garey Leavens, a local Registered Piano Technician. When I met Garey’s high standards, he informed me that I was competent enough to collect money for my work, and he encouraged me to gain experience by bidding on school tuning jobs. My technical “boot camp” was provided by the Roseburg School District, my first paid work. The district’s 46 pianos in 12 schools varied in condition from almost new to almost dead. My encounters with these school pianos provided me extensive on-the-job training and experience in tuning and common repairs, which I put to good use when I started tuning privately in the community.
I joined the Piano Technicians Guild and passed their exams to become a Registered Piano Technician. I attend regional and national Guild conventions and technical institutes, continually seeking to improve my skills.
Currently I service pianos in homes, schools and churches in Douglas and Coos counties, including the teaching pianos in the Fine and Performing Arts department at Umpqua Community College. I prepare the two concert pianos located in Jacoby auditorium for performances sponsored by Live on Stage Roseburg and Umpqua Symphony Association, as well as for other events. I also maintain the instruments of several local piano teachers and the recital piano for the Oregon Music Teachers Association.