Piano Tech Radio Hour

In this episode of Piano Tech Radio Hour, we welcome Tiffany Poon, a renowned classical pianist born in Hong Kong in 1996 and currently based in New York City. Tiffany shares her extraordinary journey from moving to New York at nine years old to join Juilliard's prestigious pre-college division on a full scholarship, studying under Yo Kalinsky. Her education continued at Columbia University in a joint program with Juilliard, where she was mentored by eminent pianists Emmanuel Ax and Joseph Ekstein.

Tiffany discusses her extensive international performance career, including debuts across North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. Highlights...

In this episode of Piano Tech Radio Hour, Heather Fandrich provides an in-depth exploration of the Fandrich Vertical Action, highlighting its innovations in reliability and responsiveness compared to traditional upright actions. She explains the Fandrich-Rhodes method of weighing off actions, a technique highly regarded across the piano industry for its effectiveness. Heather brings these technical aspects to life with engaging stories and visual examples, making complex concepts accessible and informative for listeners.

The episode also delves into Heather's personal journey in the piano world, her early exposure to piano technology through Darrell Fandrich's vertical action prototype, and...

In this episode of Piano Tech Radio Hour, we are pleased to introduce Eric Clark and Hannah Reimann, two highly acclaimed pianists renowned for their masterful interpretations of various classical composers, including Stravinsky, Liszt, Beethoven, Chopin, Mozart, Bach, Haydn, Grieg, and Tchaikovsky. Eric and Hannah share insights into their musical journeys, offering a comprehensive look at their paths to establishing their musical voices.

Eric Clark discusses his musical journey from his teenage years in rock bands to his classical studies at Carnegie Mellon University. Influenced by his esteemed mentor, Enrique Graf, Eric transitioned from a double major...

In Episode 80 of Piano Tech Radio Hour, host Eathan Janney takes us on a captivating journey into the Peruvian Presidential Palace, where two exceptional pianos—a Steinway and a historic Pleyel—await discovery. Building on the stories shared in previous episodes, this exploration highlights the unique craftsmanship, cultural significance, and preservation of these remarkable instruments within a historical setting.

Eathan’s deep dive into these pianos includes a visually rich exploration of each instrument’s intricate design and action mechanism, examining the delicate woodwork and unique features that contribute to their tonal qualities. With a focus on the rare...

In this milestone episode of Piano Tech Radio Hour, we delve into the extraordinary world of Swedish pianist Henrik Kilhamn. Based in Gothenburg, Henrik is a concert pianist, chamber musician, and accompanist with an impressive career that includes solo recitals and collaborations with renowned ensembles such as the Gothenburg Opera House Orchestra, Symphony Choir, and Vocal Ensemble.

Henrik's musical journey began at the age of six with the Suzuki method. Guided by his mentor Enrique Graf, he transitioned from pursuing dual majors in chemistry and piano to dedicating himself entirely to music. In 2019, he launched the YouTube...

In this episode of Piano Tech Radio Hour, host Eathan Janney continues the exciting journey through Peru, following up on the adventures from Episodes 76 and 77. This time, Eathan recounts his experiences in the vibrant city of Lima, uncovering rare and historical pianos in surprising locations. 

Eathan shares the story of a remarkable discovery—an 1875 Erard piano, tucked away in a bookstore in Lima. This piano, once a diplomatic gift from a Chilean ambassador, offers a fascinating look into antique piano design. From its unique metal components acting as backchecks to its straight-strung layout, we break down the pia...

In this unique episode of Piano Tech Radio Hour, we’re thrilled to sit down with Ric Overton, a true veteran of the piano world, whose career spans decades of expertise and hands-on work. Ric brings his unique perspective on the craft of piano technology, blending stories of personal experiences with insights into how the industry has transformed over time.

From his humble beginnings in piano tuning to becoming a go-to expert for complex restorations, Ric’s journey is filled with dedication, learning, and a deep passion for the instrument. He shares the challenges and triumphs of h...

In this episode of Piano Tech Radio Hour, we had the pleasure of hosting the incredibly talented pianist, humorist, and composer Loren DiGiorgi. Loren's journey began at a very young age, and he has immersed himself in the world of classical music, creating and producing hundreds of songs in various styles. His unique talent for entertaining friends with musical antics, such as playing songs in reverse or blending melodies, has turned into a social media phenomenon with hundreds of thousands of followers on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Loren has also spent decades perfecting the...

In Episode 198 of the "Piano Tech Radio Hour," we welcome Jonathan Taylor, a renowned classical guitarist whose career spans the globe. His innovative transcriptions and digital recordings have significantly impacted the classical guitar repertoire, making him a prominent figure in the music world.

Taylor's musical journey began at a young age, inspired by his grandmother, a silent film organist. He shares how his early passion for music led him to the guitar and how his dedication and rigorous practice routines helped him master the instrument.

The discussion delves into the importance of eliminating tension in...

In Episode 77 of Piano Tech Radio Hour, we continue our deep dive into the art of piano restoration in remote environments, focusing once again on the breathtaking Peruvian Andes. This episode features an in-depth conversation with piano technician Jonathan Cleghorn, who shares the next chapter of his journey restoring an antique Chickering piano at a Baptist seminary in Peru.

Jonathan revisits his ambitious project, revealing the technical complexities and cultural insights gained from working in such a challenging setting. He discusses the unique brown action mechanism of the Chickering piano, a rare design that required specialized parts...

In Episode 76 of Piano Tech Radio Hour, we engage in a dynamic group discussion featuring some fine technicians in the PTRH community, including Jonathan Cleghorn as our featured guest. Additionally, hear insightful contributions from other astute technicians like Jon Ross, Phil Bondi, Robert Wilson, Nancy Salmon, and Diane Hofstetter. Join us as we explore the unique challenges and rewards of piano restoration in remote and diverse environments, with a special focus on the Peruvian Andes. 

The conversation kicks off with Jonathan Cleghorn sharing his experiences of restoring an antique Chickering piano in the isolated village of Urubamba, P...

In Episode 197 of PTRH, we feature Steve Sandberg, an acclaimed pianist and composer known for his innovative approach to music and piano technology. The episode also includes updates from Hannah Reimann on the Fourth Annual International Stretto Piano Festival. 

Hannah begins with exciting news about the festival, highlighting the diverse lineup of live concerts and events scheduled for June 2024. She emphasizes the grand event on June 4th, set in a prestigious 760-seat hall, which promises to be a remarkable experience for attendees. 

Steve Sandberg then shares his captivating musical journey, detailing his discovery of the St...

In this podcast episode, we are joined by the talented Kristhyan Benitez, a Venezuelan classical pianist and 2021 Latin Grammy winner for Best Classical Album. He discusses his musical journey that started at age four when he chose the piano over the guitar and fell in love with its sound.

Kristhyan has performed on prestigious stages worldwide and is recognized as a Steinway artist. His multicultural background influences his music, incorporating traditional Latin American elements into his classical repertoire.

He shares an enchanting performance of "Danza de los Ñáñigos" by Cuban composer Ernesto Lecuona, reflecting the spi...

In this podcast episode, we're introduced to Noah Frere, a unique individual who is at once a piano technician, astrophysicist and astrologer. He began his journey in piano tech at the Randy Potter School of Piano Technology in 2006 and has worked with pianos across New York before moving to Tennessee where he pursued a master's degree in physics.

We are blessed to explore some of Noah’s own astrophotography, and he explains how various software tools are used to enhance images of celestial bodies. He discusses the intricacies of capturing different types of astronomical phenomena through long ex...

In this podcast episode, PTRH host Eathan Janney discusses various aspects of piano evaluations and appraisals, with a focus on templates and procedures. We emphasize the importance of precision and professional training when providing formal assessments but also touch on how informal evaluations can benefit clients.

As an example we highlight the recent evaluation of an Estonia Grand Piano, detailing that process which included photographing every aspect of the instrument and rating its components like soundboard, bridges, and pin block. A thorough evaluation procedure notes the condition of important components and offers recommendations for improvement as needed...

In this podcast episode, we are joined by Mark Cerisano, a seasoned piano tuner and educator who’s making significant contributions to the field of piano technology. He is known for creating the Go Ape System for accurate and efficient piano tuning and has shared his expertise globally through publications and teaching at the International Piano Technician School (IPTS).

Mark's background includes engineering, teaching music in high school, being a professional musician, authoring four books on piano tuning, online content, and live lectures.

The discussion covers Mark’s journey from studying jazz at McGill University to b...

In this podcast episode, we explore the captivating world of piano restoration with a focus on Chris Brown’s recent project involving an 1889 Steinway D. This historic piano underwent significant transformations including new soundboards and modernized parts while retaining its legacy.

Chris delves into the technical aspects of regulation, discussing the challenges of integrating contemporary components with historical dimensions. He emphasizes the importance of meticulous measurements and adjustments to accommodate changes in height for optimal playability.

The conversation also touches upon balancing a customer’s available investment against preserving original aspects of the instrument. Chris shar...

Gain insights into Jim's experiences with music icons and the lessons he's learned along the way. Beyond rubbing shoulders with legends, he learned valuable lessons from them about music and life.

Explore how musical trends and tech advancements shape piano performance and recording. Jim was at the forefront of groundbreaking midi technology. Understand the importance of nurturing young talent and how it influenced Jim's journey. You won’t believe how far music can take you.

Discover the fascinating connection between piano technology and creative expression. Jim shares captivating encounters with music legends. From singing with Pa...

Tune in to hear the maestro David Amram sharing unheard stories from his encounters with pianos and pianists across the globe, alongside recent collaborations with other PTRH community members. Explore the inspirations behind his most celebrated piano compositions.

This session is a rare opportunity to hear directly from a composer who has not only created an incredible body of work but has lived through some of the most pivotal moments in musical history. Whether you're a lifelong fan, a music scholar, or someone who appreciates the profound beauty of piano music, this podcast promises...

In today's episode, we started with touching tributes to Tanya Ragir and Joe Patrych, honoring their legacies in our community. Additionally, Donna shared about the legacy of Joe Patrych, a cherished member of the New York piano community whose unexpected departure in December deeply affected so many. Donna Weng, moved by Joe's passing, shared heartfelt reflections on his life and contributions. Joe's presence in the Greater New York piano community was profound. He left behind a legacy of excellence in music production and sound engineering. Donna's tribute to Joe set the stage for a session filled with gratitude, remembrance...

In this group discussion, Eathan talks about the annual PTM convention and the release of a lecture by David Stanwood who delivers a lecture about piano touch and tone. It’s a really interesting lecture and one key takeaway was about wool and its role in the sound of the piano. The properties of wool are really special for the creation of piano hammers and the tone we want to get out of them. The lecture also touches on some important themes like voicing, components and the hammer - strike point, shoulders, the different layers, felt - and how th...

In this episode we have Isaac sharing two pivotal moments in his journey, illustrating his evolution from a musician to a piano technician. One significant moment occurred during college when he embarked on the challenge of rebuilding Fender Rhodes pianos, relying solely on online tutorials. Despite lacking an engineering background, his musical discipline and focus propelled him into the world of keyboard technology. Isaac recounted his challenging yet rewarding experience applying for a position at Steinway. Despite facing a lengthy interview process spanning several months, he eventually secured a role in sales. He highlighted the importance of perseverance and...

Make sure to get in on our latest masterclass covering Action Geometry with Dean Reyburn. Join us Thursday April 18 at 3pm Pacific or 6pm Eastern Time. Visit https://bit.ly/pianoaction to register!

In today’s session, we have you join us for the PTM Annual Convention session with Alan Eder, a full-time piano tech for the California Institute of Arts for 38 years. He gives a lecture on the tools and methods to use that are outside the mainstream. This is not a regulation-focused lecture. 

Have you ever successfully taken a gra...

In this episode, we have Sally Phillips and Leo Holder. Sally talks about the amount of regulation a new piano needs. All the work that needs to be done to a piano before delivery will save you money in after-market servicing and enable you to get the trust of a dealer. 

Sally walks us through her checklist of things we need to do to get the after-delivery servicing costs down. The same works for newly rebuilt pianos as well. Sally says “New pianos are kind of an enigma”, and the first thing you need to do...

In today’s session, we give you a teaser of all that has been happening with the PTM Annual Convention by showing you sections of our most interesting sessions to give you a flavor of all that has been brewing and all that is to come. 

Starting with William Manroe who showed us how to turn a 100-year-old piano into a work of art, in a step-by-step detail-oriented fashion. William starts by taking a picture for posterity and then begins his process by taking the pieces apart. Next, we have Chris Brown whose class is...

In today’s episode, Eathan talks about the PTM Convention and some of the instructors like Carl Lieberman give us a preview of their lecture at the convention. Carl’s lecture will be on cyber tuner, its AI feature, and why we should all care about it. Cybertuner also makes Pure12th tuning and Carl shares his take on it. ‘Pure’ might sometimes seem unachievable but Carl suggests that the 12th should be close to pure to preserve other intervals. 

In this episode, we also take on questions from the participants about tuning orally or with a...

In this episode, we had the privilege of hosting a pre-recorded session featuring the remarkable Claudio Constantini, a globally renowned multi-instrumentalist celebrated for his extraordinary talents as both a pianist and a bandoneonist.

Claudio shared his fascinating journey from his upbringing in Peru, surrounded by a family deeply rooted in music, to discovering his passion for piano during his teenage years. His transition to becoming a bandoneonist, sparked by serendipity while living in Rome, added another layer to his magical musical journey. He also discussed his unexpected foray into mastering the bandoneon. He revealed insights into...

In today’s episode, Eathan shares his experience of attending the memorial service of the late David Anderson, who used to be a co-host on this show, an amazing musician and an even better human being. Community members join in the conversion and each share a few thoughts about David, his unmatched energy, and incredible acumen as a piano tech. We touch upon lesser-known facets of David’s rich life, exploring his legacy as a rock musician as well as a passionate writer. In addition to writing song lyrics, David penned an archive of incredible love notes and poems to h...

Get ready for a fun PTRH session this Saturday as we bring you an exclusive conversation with two distinguished figures in the world of pianos: Hannah Reimann from Stretto Pianos and Fanny Steingraeber from Steingraeber & Sohne, the renowned high-end piano manufacturer in Bayreuth, Germany.

This special pre-recorded session has been meticulously curated to accommodate busy international schedules, ensuring you don't miss out on this rare opportunity. Join us as Fanny Steingraeber discusses the marvelous developments and innovations that have defined Steingraeber pianos for generations.

In this session, Fanny Steingraeber...

Donna Byrd and Susan Kline, two guests with the most insider information make it to today’s episode. Donna, a North Bennet Street School student and a consistent guest on Pinao Tech Radio Hour, has some fascinating stories to share. Alongside her is Suzan, a George Brown College of Toronto graduate, and a long-term piano technician. 

Donna shares her journey to being a piano tuner, her experiences in a male-dominated profession, and some tales of her residency. Building on this conversation, Susan talks about what it means to pursue something that “feels right”,  how to balan...

Dive into the harmonious echoes of our PTRH community in this episode, where the vibrant voices of participants weave together a tapestry of insights and shared experiences. From the lively discussions on piano tuning to navigating the unique challenges posed by the pandemic, our community came together for an enriching session that embraced the diversity of thoughts and perspectives.

What a dedicated community! In this episode, we recognize Calvin from Malaysia, a dedicated member who shares his passion for pianos with us in the stillness of the night. Join us as we uncover the stories and anecdotes...

This PTRH session features the remarkable Oliver Esmonde-White with guest appearances by the insightful Wayne Ferguson. They're two of Canada's finest piano pros. The episode unfolds with updates on Oliver's groundbreaking project—a revolutionary upright piano action. We learn about his versatile hammer rail/action rail development with a one-size-fits-all solution, poised to revolutionize the piano industry. It's all made possible through 3D-printed rapid prototyping.

We gain deep insights into innovation challenges as Oliver passionately emphasizes the need for collaboration and government support in research and development. Wayne Ferguson adds his reflections on the serendipitous nature of di...

In today’s session, we join Carl Lieberman in person and talk about the importance of networking to thrive in the piano industry. Carl talks about how he has formed some serendipitous connections over time and where they stand now. 

Networking can seem sleazy to a lot of people because you are doing it to get something out of someone but in this episode, Carl shares stories of how he has organically built connections with people over time and how that keeps him young at heart. Through one of these opportunities, Carl has been able to build a v...

In this session, we bring you exclusive access to an interview with Jan D’Esopo, an artist and impresario who founded the Steinway Society of Puerto Rico which offers a forum for local musicians and funds local talents. The Society is a fascinating place that Eathan discovers in Puerto Rico and he sits down for a chat with Jan to discuss her journey as an artist and how she has built the place. 

The Steinway Society is a piano bar and so much more with six complex and interconnected buildings that Jan has collected and curated over tim...

Today’s guest is a bit more unusual than what we do here at PTRH which makes it special and fun - Danny studies product design at Columbia College where he focuses on guitars. He joined the restoration team and worked on restoring museum-quality pieces from the 17th century. He has been acquainted with a lot of power tools but prefers working with his hands which is interesting for us piano makers! 

Danny says “While going to school for design work, I did learn a lot about technology and what I can do with a com...

In this episode, our host, Eathan Janney broadcasts live from the colorful backdrop of Puerto Rico. The episode is a freeform discussion with the community in attendance. We kicked off by highlighting an upcoming virtual piano tech symposium designed for flexible learning and networking opportunities across various industry sectors.

Community member Carl Lieberman, a seasoned piano technician, shares his experiences post-pandemic as he returns to work on cruise ships and concert halls. He talks about the challenges and joys of bringing life back to pianos that have been silent during the pandemic's pause in travel and live...

Our special guest for today is Sally Philips of Piano Perfect LLC. She’s world-renowned and a well-kept secret of the Piano Industry. In this interactive session, Sally talks about how to navigate some of the peculiar challenges of concert work and preparation, working for professional pianists. She also gives us an update on her professional trajectory and tells us what inspired it. 

Sally tells us about the time she had tuned four pianos at the same time and tells us what challenges to expect and how to prepare for them. Her prime tip: tune in the dar...

Christopher Brown joins us today, and he has mastered various skills like concert tuning, rebuilding, and teaching. He’s an engineer, piano designer, and producer. Chris believes that all piano technicians are somewhat gifted at math, and has been able to use high school algebra and geometry to create a model for the workings of a grand action. This helps him better understand what happens when you change the leverage in any of the three levers.

In this episode, Chris simplifies the geometry of the grand action and explains how it works. He uncovers his process of ca...

In this episode, the great piano player, Chano Dominguez - the great piano player joins us and tells us all about his upcoming shows, his experience playing on stage, and why he does not like traveling for concerts. 

Chano talks about the piano he has been playing most, the technicalities of it, and the tuning process it has undergone. As a player, he tells us about the experience of playing on different kinds of tuned pianos and what he enjoys most. 

Chano shares his knowledge about the history of mu...

In today’s episode, Steve Brady, the most highly awarded piano technician in the Pacific North West a member of the PTG Hall of Fame. He knows what it takes to make the piano sound like the instrument of dreams and he’s here today to share that secret sauce with us. 

In this episode, Steve talks us through some common tools - but, chances are that you have not used them. Do you pre-coil the wire before putting it on the tuning pin? Great, but now you need to carry a dummy tuning pin a...