I grew up in the Waikato and attended Wesley College in Paerata. After leaving school, I spent a couple of years working as a piano technician in Hamilton before relocating to Auckland.
In 1991, I completed a Bachelor of Music degree at Auckland University while studying performance piano and singing privately. By 1998, I wanted to gain formal credentials in piano technology and decided to sit the U.S. Piano Technicians' Guild registration exams at their national convention in Providence, Rhode Island, passing at “examiner's level.” Later that same year, I became a registered member of the New Zealand Piano Tuners and Technicians Guild.
In 1991, I completed a Bachelor of Music degree at Auckland University while studying performance piano and singing privately. By 1998, I wanted to gain formal credentials in piano technology and decided to sit the U.S. Piano Technicians' Guild registration exams at their national convention in Providence, Rhode Island, passing at “examiner's level.” Later that same year, I became a registered member of the New Zealand Piano Tuners and Technicians Guild.
Commitment to Professional Development
I have a strong commitment to ongoing professional development and was one of the organisers of the 2011 Australasian Piano Technicians Guild Conference, held here in Wellington. I have been a committee member of the NZ Piano Technicians Guild for a number of years and try to attend every workshop we hold.
I also attend an international convention every couple of years. These events are an excellent way to learn new techniques and maintain skills.
Although the design of pianos has not changed greatly in the last 120 years, manufacturing materials, tools and repair techniques have evolved considerably. The technology available to technicians has also advanced, particularly the use of computers and tuning and design software.
I particularly enjoy the challenge of improving repair techniques and have spent many hours sourcing tools and materials. I can’t understand technicians who are happy working in solitude with little or no contact with their profession. Ask your tuner or technician how they keep up to date.
I also attend an international convention every couple of years. These events are an excellent way to learn new techniques and maintain skills.
Although the design of pianos has not changed greatly in the last 120 years, manufacturing materials, tools and repair techniques have evolved considerably. The technology available to technicians has also advanced, particularly the use of computers and tuning and design software.
I particularly enjoy the challenge of improving repair techniques and have spent many hours sourcing tools and materials. I can’t understand technicians who are happy working in solitude with little or no contact with their profession. Ask your tuner or technician how they keep up to date.
Areas of Special Interest
While I carry out the full range of services expected of a professional piano technician, I have particular interests in:
- Piano scale evaluation and design
- Bass string manufacture
- Player piano rebuilding
