I was introduced to piano technology during my studies as a piano major in college. I became interested in pursuing education in piano technology as I realized the opportunity it provided for me to combine my interests in music and technical hands-on work. Upon visiting other competitive programs, it was clear that UWO was the correct choice for me. It offered a unique, personal learning environment in a university setting, which provided exposure to an impressive variety of musicians and instruments.

Upon completion of the Piano Technology Program at Western University, I was offered and accepted a position as a piano technician at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. I am now gaining experience working with premier musicians and world-class educators. The fact that I was provided with such a prestigious job offer without years of practical experience as a piano technician makes it clear that the tutelage provided by Don Stephenson, Anne Fleming-Read and Paul Poppy was invaluable for preparing me for the opportunities and challenges of this field. There is no question in my mind that the experience, expertise, and teaching methods utilized by the instructors at UWO yield rapid and superior results.

The level of training offered at the University of Western Ontario's Piano Technology program is absolutely impeccable. The infatigable teaching on part of the instructors and the numerous brands of both upright and grand pianos to work with gives a well rounded experience. The more I continue to learn about pianos as a practicing technician, the more I realize how comprehensive the training was.

The best testament I can give to show the high quality of the program at Western is that less than 6 moths after graduating I was hired to work for the Concert and Artist department with Steinway and Sons at Steinway Hall in Manhattan. 18 months prior, I didn't even know what a tuning hammer was. Now I am working alongside some of the best concert technicians in the world, and they are constantly telling me how impressed they are with the level of work I am capable of. I owe it all to the exhaustive training offered by Anne Fleming-Read and Don Stephenson and the truly phenomenal program they have instituted at Western.

The training I received at UWO was so complete and of such high quality that I can compete with technicians who have many more years in the field. The year at UWO was intensely packed with training, information, practice and more practice. The instructors were fantastic. Their level of skill and knowledge was tremendous, and they were incredibly committed to making sure we learned everything we would need to know to begin careers as piano technicians.

Another of the many things that sets the UWO piano technology program apart from other programs is that it is based at a University with a high quality and busy music department. This was very helpful since we were able to consistently attend concerts featuring top level pianists.

To anyone considering a career as a piano technician I would tell them there is no better way to enter the field than spending a year at UWO.

I can't thank you all enough for giving me such a solid foundation in piano technology. In short, my music business is going very well and I feel very secure working with the skills you have taught me.

In the course of only one year, I learned more about piano's then I had ever thought possible from four extremely knowledgeable technicians.

I am currently working at Sir Wilfrid Laurier University as the assistant to the resident piano technician. I have also started up my own business and am tuning for clients. Taking the Piano Technology Program has in every way changed my life. I have learned more then I thought possible and am finally doing something I really enjoy.

I had a desire to work on the language barrier that often exists between pianists and piano technicians. To come to the field with a life-long background in piano has made this career choice extremely interesting and satisfying. The course is set up extremely well. There's always an opportunity to learn.

The long learning/practicing hours over one intensive year culminated in an even harder decision of what I was supposed to do next. I was fortunate in receiving a job offer from the Interlochen Center for the Arts in Interlochen, Michigan as the Resident Piano Technician. I believe this says a lot about the program at UWO that I was hired for this job even before I had graduated! And after two years at Interlochen, I accepted a new position at the University of Michigan's School of Music in Ann Arbor as the Assistant Piano Technician.

The decision to follow this career path and attending the University of Western Ontario's Piano Technology program has been a life-changing one. The experiences and relationships you will have while in Canada will be life-long ones. I am very grateful to my teachers and colleagues for the experiences they have shared with me--it was an amazing experience!

I was urged to apply to the Piano Technology program at Western. When I asked about other programs, a colleague insisted that this one was the best. He was right.

Completing the Piano Technology Program at Western helped me toward becoming an expert of the trade. Along with thirteen other students, I had the privilege of learning from Anne Fleming-Read, Don Stephenson, Steve Grega and Paul Poppy. These four technicians all have something unique to offer. My experience at Western was invaluable. Taking this course changed my life.

We did everything from string splicing to taking a tour of the Steinway factory in New York. The University setting is wonderful too. Being right in the faculty of music was extremely advantageous. Going to concerts to develop a good sense of piano tone, and having students play the piano you just tuned really help the learning process. Anne and Don also helped me to personally make connections within the trade. However, the true key to my success with this program was confidence, motivation, and persistence.

To any of you who are thinking about delving into the unusual trade of piano technology, it is in your best interest to go to the Piano Technology Program at Western. If you are focused and ready to devote nine months to an intense study of the piano, this program at Western is for you. I assure you that it is a worthwhile investment. It was the best decision that I have ever made.