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 $595.00 USD (not
including shipping or additional foreign shipping charges incurred from overseas
or Canadian customers). No other home tuning course is offered for such a low
price. In fact, the price range of current schools in the United States ranges
from roughly $1,200 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.
