Q. Who is DISTANCE LEARNING INTERNATIONAL?
A. DLI is
an interactive education company dedicated toward providing quality at-home
learning materials otherwise unavailable to a global market. Our goal is to
provide unique and interactive learning programs for people interested in new
careers, or to enrich their lives. Because DLI is a no-frills company, we can
offer competetive programs such as the PIANO TUNER'S SUPER HOME STUDY
COURSE, for much less than is offered by schools or universities.
DISTANCE LEARNING INTERNATIONAL is owned and operated by CEO Ron Falcone, and is
registered and licensed by the State of Florida, in Seminole County (Lic.
#013334) and by the City of Sanford (Lic. #02 19528).
Q. Why is your piano tuning course superior?
A. Because
aspect of piano tuning and repair is covered in the most comprehensive way possible, while also
than other courses currently available.
Advanced-level, self-test questions for monitoring your progress make our course
every bit as comprehensive as you might find at the college-level, and that's
why anyone can now learn the once secret art of piano tuning without ever having
to attend a class. You also have access to our highly acclaimed AUDIO
INTERACTIVE feature. This feature allows you to submit samples of your
tunings for analysis, comments and professional suggestions.
Q. You offer two different courses. Which is
the best one to choose?
A. Of course that's an individual decision
you'll have to make, but let's provide you with a little perspective to
make your decision an easier one. While both courses are excellent and both
offer the same exeact training in piano tuning, the one which focuses
only on tuning (and not repair) may be better suited for people
wanting to tune for themselves, their church, the synagogue, a friend, etc.
If, on the other hand, you were planning to become a professional piano
technician who services pianos for customers, schools, piano stores and the
like, we would highly urge you to consider the master piano tuning and repair
course. For example, if you were tuning a customer's piano
having sticking keys or a broken string, you would find
it an awkward situation to only do the tuning and forgoe doing the
repairs---not to mention forfeiting a potentially good profit for your
services. Our master course would adequately prepare you to effectively
deal with the majority of such repair situations. And while the master
course is several hundred dollar more, it's an overall superior value
considering the additional amount of tools, parts and study materials you
receive. Either way, both courses are extremely well priced considering that a
handful of tunings would virtually pay for either course, and you would
learn a craft lasting a lifetime.
Q. Do you offer
technical support?
A. All of our programs include
unlimited & FREE e-mail support should you encounter
any difficulties or have questions along the way.
Q. What should I look for when selecting a piano tuning
course?
A. Be very careful that you are simply not purchasing a
book and some tools that hide under the guise of being a distance
learning school. Unfortunately, many correspondence schools---piano
tuning or otherwise---do just that. You can be assured that our course is
but a series of step-by-step lessons complete with
self-test questions, recommendations and professional hints.
It is also
important to know whether the piano tuning course you are choosing is clearly
written and comprehensive, or vague and obscure. Equally important, any
qualified course of study should provide you with the latest instead of merely relying on the use of a tuning
fork to set the correct sound pitch. The PIANO TUNING SUPER HOME STUDY
COURSE is definitively NOT vague or obscure, and absolutely DOES RELY
on the latest electronic technologies to provide you with superior training.
Q. How was your course written?
A. In a
format that we've developed which is known as VISUAL INSTRUCTIONAL
WRITING. This means that our unique instructions are written as if we were
literally taking you by the hand and showing you exactly what to do and
how to do it. For example, instead of saying "loosen the tuning
pin then remove the string," we would say, "loosen the tuning pin by turning it
two and a half turns counterclockwise, then remove the string with the tip of
your needle nose pliers by pulling toward you." Unfortunately, most courses tell
you what to do, but often fail at instructing you on how to do it.
You might find it interesting to know that our course actually went
through three phases of development. The lessons were first written by course
author Ron Falcone's own extensive experiences as a professional piano tuner and
technician. These lessons were used originally to tutor pupils apprenticing with
Mr. Falcone. The second phase consisted of revisions based on actual field
experience and/or lengthy discussions with master piano technicians throughout
the United States. For example, if a shortcut was found for doing a certain
repair beyond, say, the usual textbook methods, then it was tested and either
accepted or rejected in the field for inclusion in the course. Finally, the
third phase was based on checking all that had been collected and written
against known standards and sources, such as classic texts, technical articles,
seminars and videotapes. We believe this approach has truly made our programs of
study unique for the correct at-home learning of piano tuning and
repairs.
You might also find it noteworthy that Mr. Falcone is a
published author of non-fiction books unrelated to the piano field. His
titles---which were primarily about health/medical
issues---were commissioned by New York publisher Dell. Dell required a
writing style in these books that could translate complex medical jargon into
understandable information for a mass audience. Mr. Falcone fit the bill
perfectly when he was chosen by Dell.
Q. Some schools offer a diploma in piano tuning? Is this
necessary?
A. . Consequently, there is no
reason the offering of a diploma is an 'academic' requirement---contrary to what
some schools might tell you. Typically, piano technology courses that are
offered from time to time at established universities aren't predicated on the
giving of a diploma.
Please keep in mind that the only officially
recognized certification a piano tuner can get---if he or she wishes to do
so---is granted by the Piano Technician's Guild---a national organization which
tuners can join to help further advance their career goals. Certification is
usually granted after the tuner takes a stringent written/and audio test
sponsored by the guild. Typically, piano tuners who have some degree of skill
and knowledge---as adequately provided by our course materials---may consider
joining the guild. But let us emphasize: it isn't necessary to become certified
to make a living as a piano tuner, since half of all tuners in the United States
aren't. What matters most is .
Q. Does your course
provide everything needed to become a professional tuner?
A. Yes. The
lessons are complete and they include all the tools necessary to get you started
in your new career. Later as you get more advanced and experienced, you may want
to purchase additional tools. We will tell you what companies to contact, and
also provide a complete list of the additional tools you might wish to buy.
We've done all the legwork for you.
Q. Just
how difficult is piano tuning?
A. Only as your level of interest allows
it to be. In other words, if you are really serious about learning tuning, then
you will find that our lessons easily equip you with the skills necessary to
acheive that goal.
Q. How expensive is your
course?
A. Programs range from $395.00 to $679.00 USD (not including
shipping or additional foreign shipping charges incurred from overseas or
Canadian customers). No other home tuning course with free audio interactive
training is offered for such a low price. In fact, the price range of
current schools in the United States ranges from roughly $1,600 to as much
as $6,500.00. We believe our low fee/course quality provides you with
excellent value for the money spent. In addition, we offer a
satisfaction money-back guarantee
on the entire course and not just on
sampler materials.
Q. Can I claim your course as a
tax deduction?
A. In many cases, continuing education can be claimed on
your income tax as a legitimate deduction---but usually when it's used to
further a career, or help establish a new vocation. Check with your
accountant, or tax-software program for more details.
Q. Generally, how long will my course of study last?
A. That's
mainly up to you, and the program that you're choosing. Some students complete
their studies in as little as 3 months, and other take longer than a year.
