After much consideration over several years, I have decided to discontinue my membership in the PTG. There are a number of reasons for this decision. 

It has nothing to do with skill level or professional integrity. I was a member in good standing since joining in 2000. I passed the exams in 2008 to become a Registered Piano Technician. There was never a complaint against me, either by a client or by a fellow member. 

Instead of being related to skills or technical things, it is related to politics and issues within the organization. 

PTG has gradually shifted its focus away from member benefits. Most of the money from annual dues goes toward the maintenance of the Home Office and its staff rather than providing meaningful benefits to the members. The entire piano industry has been in decline for over 100 years, and all of us in the industry know this well. But rather than trimming the organizational expenses to reflect the decline in the industry, it has continued to raise dues and attempt to maintain the same “presence” from 30+ years ago. I grew tired of paying the annual dues ($300+) while seeing declining member benefits.

There has also been much internal discussion about changing the main direction of the organization. Historically, PTG has focused on the certification and promotion of the Registered Piano Technician. But now there is a significant push to transform the organization into more of an educational organization rather than the certification and promotion of the Registered Piano Technician. Because of all these things, I decided to no longer fund the PTG as they head in this direction.

What does this mean for my customers?

There will be no difference in service. You can still expect the same quality professional service as before. I am as committed as ever to providing the best level of service possible, still striving to improve skills, etc., so that the customer gets the best value for their money. 

Do I still recommend the PTG?

To a certain extent, yes. There are still many qualified people in the organization. I have many that I would call friends. 

But here are my caveats. Being a member doesn’t automatically grant a person better skills. That always takes much work! Being an RPT doesn’t automatically guarantee the best service. For instance, I know of people who have barely passed the RPT exams. They provide the same inferior quality work throughout their career, never improving their skills. RPT is a starting place, not a stopping place. It is a proof of minimal competence, not of professional superiority.

I would still say that the RPT exams are a good set of minimum standards. I would tend to recommend an RPT over an Associate Member who has not passed any exams. 

I look forward to providing you my very best service.