Piano Tuning
Piano Tuning
 Pianoforte Tuners' Association
Membership


Benefits of membership
For an application form to join the PTA (or membership related queries), please e-mail: secretarypianotuner.org.uk

£5,000,000 Public Liability Insurance, at no cost to UK members
Regular Newsletter - a forum for discussion and information
Advice of developments in the piano industry
Publication of towns served by Members
Publication of e-mail addresses, telephone & fax numbers
Library of books, manuals and tapes
Seminars and technical classes
Photocard for Members, indicating registration in a professional society
Internet website
Free e-mail address
'Pianolist' E-mail discussion group
There are six ways to join in the activities of the Association: Entitled to full benefits:
  • PTA Member
  • PTA Technician Member
Other Categories:
  • PTA Associate
  • PTA Patron
  • PTA Student
  • PTA Subscriber
Qualification for these categories is given in the Rules of the Association; extracts from which are given below:
Membership
5. To qualify for Membership of the Association an applicant must:
  • either: have trained as a Pianoforte Tuner, Technician or Maker in a reputable factory or workshop for not less than three years, or have completed an approved course in Pianoforte Tuning or Technical Studies at a recognised College and have gained the proficiency certificate, and has subsequently earned a living as a Pianoforte Tuner, Technician or Maker for a period (at least two years) which, combined with the training period, is at least five years,
    or: have earned a living as a Pianoforte Tuner, Technician or Maker for at least seven years.
  • at the time of application, currently be engaged in the piano industry
and
    either: pass a practical test of tuning and elementary repairs, and an oral test of his knowledge of tuning, construction and repair of pianos.
    or - if applying for Technician membership-
    pass an assessment of practical ability and theoretical knowledge in a specialist field of piano technology.
6. Any applicant may be asked to pay a surcharge equal to the real cost of the examination.
Associates of the PTA
13. PTA Associate status may be granted by the Executive Council to any applicant who must:
    either: have trained as a Pianoforte Tuner, Technician or Maker in a reputable factory or workshop for not less than three years, or have completed an approved course in Pianoforte Tuning or Technical Studies at a recognised College and have gained the proficiency certificate, and has subsequently earned a living as a Pianoforte Tuner, Technician or Maker for a period (at least two years) which, combined with the training period, is at least five years,
    or: be a member of another tuners' association and satisfy the Executive Council that his tuning proficiency can be shown to be of a satisfactory standard,
    or: have earned a living as a Pianoforte Tuner, Technician or Maker for at least seven years

    and at the time of application, currently be engaged in the piano industry.
14. PTA Associates may attend all PTA General Meetings on a non-voting basis. They may not publicly advertise their registration and may not use the PTA name or Logo. Any PTA Associate who, in the judgement of the Executive Council, has abused the privilege of PTA Associate Status may be struck off the register of PTA Associates, with no refund of subscription.
Students
15(a) Any Student receiving instruction at a training establishment or workshop acceptable to the PTA, or who has received instruction as above and gained the necessary proficiency certificate may be registered as a PTA Student and may attend all PTA General Meetings on a non-voting basis. He may not publicly advertise his registration and may not use the PTA name or Logo.

15(b) PTA Students shall pay a registration fee equal to the current Membership entrance fee during their training period. On completion of the training period PTA Students shall pay one half of the current Associate subscription annually on the 1st January for a period (at least two years) which, combined with the training period, is at least five years. On completion of this combined period, they must take the membership test, or apply for PTA Associate Status.

Patrons
16. Any person may become a Patron of the PTA upon payment of an annual donation. He will be invited to all General Meetings on a non-voting basis but may not publicly advertise his PTA connection or use the PTA name or Logo for the purpose of business.

Subscriptions and Fees
28.(a) The financial year shall be from 1st January to 31st December.
28.(b) Members and PTA Associates pay annual subscriptions on 1st January.
28.(c) New Members and PTA Associates shall pay an entrance fee and the annual subscription. On being admitted between 1st July and end of December, they will pay one half of the annual subscription for that year.
28.(d) PTA Students shall pay a registration fee equal to the current Membership entrance fee during their training period. On completion of the training period PTA Students shall pay one half of the current Associate subscription annually on the 1st January for a period (at least two years) which, combined with the training period, is at least five years. On completion of this combined period, they must take the membership test, or apply for PTA Associate Status.
28.(e) Anyone wishing to subscribe to PTA publications should be able to do so at a fee agreed by the Executive Council.