The Piano Tuners and Technicians Guild of New Zealand (PTTGNZ) is a branch of the Australasian Piano Tuners and Technicians Association (APTTA) which can be found here http://www.aptta.org.au/
This organisation provides a valuable role in a number of areas, from providing guidelines and minimum standards that our Registered Technician members are required to adhere to, providing an examination framework for those entering our industry, providing links with other Technician organisations, setting ethical standards and also by providing technical workshops and ongoing training for both trainees as well as refreshing the skills of already qualified Technicians. There is really no other place for Technicians to go for ongoing training, so our Registered Technician members who attend the regular technical workshops and conventions will be offering the latest best practice in all their work. One aspect that has brought substantial benefits to Technicians and the public they serve is the examination system. Over several years new examination standards have been introduced aligning our organisation more closely with other Technician organisations around the world. The result is that qualified ‘ARPT’ (Australasian Registered Piano Technician) status technicians have all passed the most recent exams - more rigorous than those of the past. |  |
The skill level being demonstrated by ARPT members is right up with the best being done anywhere in the world.
The APTTA has been active with...
- The development of a new curriculum for the training of piano technicians, which is currently being trialled in conjunction with TAFE in
- The introduction of an examination system for the uniform assessment of skills for existing and new members which is recognised by the award of an Accreditation Certificate.
- Active membership of the International Association of Piano Builders and Technicians (IAPBT), a body consisting of the major piano technician associations in Europe, UK, USA, Japan, Taiwan and Korea.
- The formation of a committee to look at ways of working with piano retailers to develop strategies to combat the threat to our industry posed by the proliferation of poor quality, 'grey market' pianos.
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In October 2010 we will have master US piano technician Steve Brady visit New Zealand to present 4 days of intensive classes covering a wide section of piano technology. Steve has presented technical subjects at many US Piano Technician conventions, is a past editor of the Piano Technicians Guild magazine and has authored the book 'Under the Lid' which is a highly recommended book for piano technicians. He has worked at the highest level in our industry for many years and we are greatly looking forward to taking part in these hands on classes.
Consumers are encouraged to seek out Technicians who have the 'ARPT' accreditation as a further assurance of their underlying skills.