Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
- Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
- Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
- Controlling Machines and Processes Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
- Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
- Scheduling Work and Activities Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Working Life
Piano tuners work on all kinds of pianos in all locations. They may visit people's homes as well as theatres, concert halls, sound studios, schools and a variety of other public buildings. Their primary job is to adjust the piano strings to the correct pitch. For negotiating the tension of the strings they use special hand tools (wedges and cranks). They also locate and repair any faults in the instrument.
They check that every note is pitched correctly and, if necessary repair damaged or worn strings, hammers etc. They may also repair the case.
Some piano tuners work with other stringed instruments such as harpsichords.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Play instruments to evaluate their sound quality and to locate any defects.
- Adjust string tensions to tune instruments, using hand tools and electronic tuning devices.
- Reassemble instruments following repair, using hand tools and power tools and glue, hair, yarn, resin, or clamps, and lubricate instruments as necessary.
- Disassemble instruments and parts for repair and adjustment.
- Repair or replace musical instrument parts and components, such as strings, bridges, felts, and keys, using hand and power tools.
- Inspect instruments to locate defects, and to determine their value or the level of restoration required.
- Compare instrument pitches with tuning tool pitches to tune instruments.
- String instruments, and adjust trusses and bridges of instruments to obtain specified string tensions and heights.
- Polish instruments, using rags and polishing compounds, buffing wheels, or burnishing tools.
- Repair cracks in wood or metal instruments, using pinning wire, lathes, fillers, clamps, or soldering irons.
Qualities - Piano Tuner
Practical skills are also essential and you will need to be patient and pay attention to detail, because some work can be difficult and can take a long time to finish.
Although a high level of musical ability may not be necessary, you will have to have an ear for tuning and an interest in music.
Even though you might work alone, you must be prepared to discuss customers' requirements; you may need to adjust instruments in response to their comments. If you become a self-employed technician you will need business skills.
Some background or experience in woodwork will be an asset.
A driving licence will also be of use.
Interests - Piano Tuner
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Creative
Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.
Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Entry / Progression - Piano Tuner
Some trainees spend periods abroad to train with piano manufacturers. Those who have relevant training may wish to pursue a degree in music technology. Membership of the Pianoforte Tuners' Association is awarded to those who have completed at least five years experience from the start of training.
Training can also help you progress, depending if you plan to go into Teaching & lecturing, Music for performance, or Music for media or marketing.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: digital media, broadcast production, group facilitation, training.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: music performance, music production, sound engineering, music technology.
Search for PLC Courses
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: arts, music, technology, audio, music production.
Search for CAO Courses
Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).
Example search terms include: arts, music, education, teaching, music composition.
Search for Postgraduate Courses
Pay & Salary - Piano Tuner
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €5k - €43k
A Manual piano needs tuning, usually once a year, averaging €80-130 depending on tuning service provider.
Tuining may be part of a portfolio service offered with Tutoring or Group teaching. As such Salaries vary based on employer/ self employment, location, experience, duties, and role.
Data Source(s):
Irish Times 2018/ Piano Forte UK / Indeed/ Payscale/ Glassdoor
Last Updated: March, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Piano Tuner
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Weavers and knitters; Upholsterers; Footwear and leather working trades; Tailors and dressmakers Textiles; garments and related trades n.e.c.; Pre-press technicians; Printers Print finishing and binding workers; Glass and ceramics makers; decorators and finishers Furniture makers and other craft woodworkers; Florists Other skilled trades n.e.c.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
The five-year annual average employment growth rate was below average for this occupation, although there was an increase of over 2,000 persons employed between 2021 and 2022. As the Census data indicates, there are a large number of roles within this group, with many employing fewer than 1,000 persons. Between 2016 and 2022, employment levels fell for many of these roles.
Despite the decline in employment evident in the Census data, the Skills for Growth data indicates issues with recruitment of upholsterers for both the industry and retail (repair) sectors; upholsterers also appeared in the DSP Jobs Ireland vacancy data (albeit in small numbers), along with spray painters (included in the other skilled trades n.e.c. category). Although demand for many of these trades have declined in recent years, an increased focus on the circular economy may see increased demand, or at least slow the decline for roles such as upholsterers and tailors.
Useful Contacts - Piano Tuner
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Pianoforte Tuners' Association
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IMRO Irish Music Rights Organization
- Lower Baggot St, Dublin 2, Ireland, D02 HW59
- 01 661 4844
- [email protected]
- Click Here
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Musicians' Union of Ireland
