Music Trade Review
Issue: 1925 Vol. 81 N. 6 - Page 4
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THE
MUSIC TRADE
REVIEW
AUGUST 8, 1925
Sixteenth Annual Tuners' Convention
Draws Largest Attendance
Annual Gathering of National Association of Piano Tuners at the Hotel Statler, in Detroit, Brings Out
Greatest Attendance in the History of That Organization—Varied Program Holds Delegates' In-
terest from Beginning to End—Large Number of Exhibits Made at Meeting
ETROIT, August 6.—The
sixteenth
annual convention of the National As-
sociation of Piano Tuners opened this
afternoon at the Hotel Statler. When Presi-
dent Charles Deutschmann called it to order
at 2:20 p. m. the ballroom of the hotel was
packed and more than 250 people had already
registered. Before the first meeting was over
D
floor the President informed the meeting
that a question box had been opened and that
members or visitors desiring to ask professional
or technical questions might deposit the same
for discussion at a later meeting.
The President then addressed the meeting,
laying down rules for the observance of dis-
cussion, urging close and prompt attendance
at the meetings and at the exhibits after the
meetings. He paid a tribute to the exhibitors
who do so much to make the convention a
success.
The president then read a letter of greeting
from Wm. E. Delaney, president of the Winni-
peg Tuners' Association of Winnipeg, Canada,
and at 3:15 p. m. the meeting was adjourned
until 9:30 a. m. Tuesday morning.
Among the distinguished visitors already ar-
rived is A. K. Gutsohn, of the Standard Pneu-
matic Action Co., president of the National
Piano Technicians' Association.
At 7:30 p. m. in the evening, the Board of
Directors held its annual executive meeting.
Tuesday Session
Charles A. Deutchmann
the number of registrations had already passed
300.
Delegates were present from Nebraska, New
Hampshire, New York, Vancouver, Washing-
ton, Ontario, Florida, California, West Virginia,
Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, Pennsylvania,
South Dakota, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota,
Maryland and other States.
An address of welcome on behalf of the city
of Detroit was made by John Atkinson, assist-
ant corporation counsel, for Mayor John
Smith. Mr. Atkinson spoke humorously and ef-
fectively of Detroit's amazing change from a
pretty residential town to a vast flivver-pro-
ducing industrial city; and welcomed the tuners
heartily. The national hymn "America" was
sung by the audience to the accompaniment
of the Knabe Ampico grand lent by the Ameri-
can Piano Co. Roll call followed, each dele-
gate rising and announcing his or her name
and address. Loud cheers greeted the an-
nouncements of the delegates from the far
western and far eastern points.
The following committees were then named,
to present their reports during the convention:
Ways and Means, the Board of Directors, Chas.
Deutschmann, President, C. F. Backus and E.
L. Seagrave, vice-presidents, W. F. McClellan,
secretary-treasurer, and seven regional direc-
tors; Auditing, George Steger, Chastain O'Har-
row; Resolutions, William Braid White, Chair-
man; George C. Johnston, Edgar L. Seagrave;
Credentials, C. F. Backus, Wm. F. McClellan.
In response to a suggestion from the
Highest
Quality
The Tuesday morning session was called to
order by President Deutschmann, who de-
livered his keynote address, which follows:
This has been the most eventful year in the
history of the National Association of Piano
Tuners, first because of the increase in its mem-
bership and, second, because of the prominent
part the Association took in the establishing of
a standard pitch.
You are all aware that last November we
launched a membership drive, as a result of
which our membership was increased somewhat
over fifty per cent. Our Secretary's report
will give you more definite figures.
This drive, as you can well imagine—know-
ing the handicap under which we labor—com-
pletely swamped the National Office with work,
and although several members made short trips
and your Secretary and President extensive
ones, the work is not yet finished. There are
still many applications filed and men waiting to
be examined who live in such remote regions
that I seriously question if we shall be able to
reach all of them for some time, which we very
much regret.
I have just returned from a trip through the
East and from my observations and investiga-
tions on that trip I have come to the conclu-
sion that we have a problem on our hands
which will tax the ability and energy of the
members of our Association as they have never
been taxed before. It means work, and then
more work and money to bring about the re-
sults that are desired by all of us.
Local Associations
There are springing up all over our country
independent organizations, and while this is a
most pronounced compliment to the N. A. of
P. T.—in fact, an acknowledgment that they
see and are taking notice of the good results
of our work—yet in defense of our institution it
is absolutely essential that we use our best
endeavors to bring them into our fold before
they lose their enthusiasm—owing to the in-
ability of their local organization to bring about
the things they are seeking—or go to pieces
and disband.
We have had some experience in this mat-
ter and we have discovered to our sorrow that
it is impossible to interest men of a defunct
local association in organization matters until
time has healed the sting of their failure.
My trip East was on a mission of this kind
and how well I have succeeded is too early to
predict.
Initiation Fees
The men who are in the field are one and
all of the opinion that it is well-nigh impossi-
ble to go into virgin territory and exact from a
poor tuner the $25.00 initiation which our Con-
stitution calls for, and then on top of that $10.00
for dues, making $35.00. He just simply has
not got the money. I would suggest that the
national body in its Constitution set a minimum
fee and leave it to the individual divisions to
set their initiation at that figure, or raise it,
as they may decide.
Membership
There is considerable agitation in some quar-
ters that the national body admit as associate
W. F. McClellan
members such men as have proven themselves
in sympathy and accord with our principles,
the object being to increase our revenue.
Apprentices
One of our duties, and one which is coming
closer to us every day, is the educating of men
in our art to take our places when we are called
to the great beyond. Many times the question,
How about apprentices? is hurled at us. My
opinion on this matter is this: the N. A. of P.
T. has not as yet reached/ that point where it
Highest
Quality
THE
MUSIC TRADE
REVIEW
AUGUST 8, 1925
Sixteenth Annual Tuners' Convention
Draws Largest Attendance
Annual Gathering of National Association of Piano Tuners at the Hotel Statler, in Detroit, Brings Out
Greatest Attendance in the History of That Organization—Varied Program Holds Delegates' In-
terest from Beginning to End—Large Number of Exhibits Made at Meeting
ETROIT, August 6.—The
sixteenth
annual convention of the National As-
sociation of Piano Tuners opened this
afternoon at the Hotel Statler. When Presi-
dent Charles Deutschmann called it to order
at 2:20 p. m. the ballroom of the hotel was
packed and more than 250 people had already
registered. Before the first meeting was over
D
floor the President informed the meeting
that a question box had been opened and that
members or visitors desiring to ask professional
or technical questions might deposit the same
for discussion at a later meeting.
The President then addressed the meeting,
laying down rules for the observance of dis-
cussion, urging close and prompt attendance
at the meetings and at the exhibits after the
meetings. He paid a tribute to the exhibitors
who do so much to make the convention a
success.
The president then read a letter of greeting
from Wm. E. Delaney, president of the Winni-
peg Tuners' Association of Winnipeg, Canada,
and at 3:15 p. m. the meeting was adjourned
until 9:30 a. m. Tuesday morning.
Among the distinguished visitors already ar-
rived is A. K. Gutsohn, of the Standard Pneu-
matic Action Co., president of the National
Piano Technicians' Association.
At 7:30 p. m. in the evening, the Board of
Directors held its annual executive meeting.
Tuesday Session
Charles A. Deutchmann
the number of registrations had already passed
300.
Delegates were present from Nebraska, New
Hampshire, New York, Vancouver, Washing-
ton, Ontario, Florida, California, West Virginia,
Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, Pennsylvania,
South Dakota, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota,
Maryland and other States.
An address of welcome on behalf of the city
of Detroit was made by John Atkinson, assist-
ant corporation counsel, for Mayor John
Smith. Mr. Atkinson spoke humorously and ef-
fectively of Detroit's amazing change from a
pretty residential town to a vast flivver-pro-
ducing industrial city; and welcomed the tuners
heartily. The national hymn "America" was
sung by the audience to the accompaniment
of the Knabe Ampico grand lent by the Ameri-
can Piano Co. Roll call followed, each dele-
gate rising and announcing his or her name
and address. Loud cheers greeted the an-
nouncements of the delegates from the far
western and far eastern points.
The following committees were then named,
to present their reports during the convention:
Ways and Means, the Board of Directors, Chas.
Deutschmann, President, C. F. Backus and E.
L. Seagrave, vice-presidents, W. F. McClellan,
secretary-treasurer, and seven regional direc-
tors; Auditing, George Steger, Chastain O'Har-
row; Resolutions, William Braid White, Chair-
man; George C. Johnston, Edgar L. Seagrave;
Credentials, C. F. Backus, Wm. F. McClellan.
In response to a suggestion from the
Highest
Quality
The Tuesday morning session was called to
order by President Deutschmann, who de-
livered his keynote address, which follows:
This has been the most eventful year in the
history of the National Association of Piano
Tuners, first because of the increase in its mem-
bership and, second, because of the prominent
part the Association took in the establishing of
a standard pitch.
You are all aware that last November we
launched a membership drive, as a result of
which our membership was increased somewhat
over fifty per cent. Our Secretary's report
will give you more definite figures.
This drive, as you can well imagine—know-
ing the handicap under which we labor—com-
pletely swamped the National Office with work,
and although several members made short trips
and your Secretary and President extensive
ones, the work is not yet finished. There are
still many applications filed and men waiting to
be examined who live in such remote regions
that I seriously question if we shall be able to
reach all of them for some time, which we very
much regret.
I have just returned from a trip through the
East and from my observations and investiga-
tions on that trip I have come to the conclu-
sion that we have a problem on our hands
which will tax the ability and energy of the
members of our Association as they have never
been taxed before. It means work, and then
more work and money to bring about the re-
sults that are desired by all of us.
Local Associations
There are springing up all over our country
independent organizations, and while this is a
most pronounced compliment to the N. A. of
P. T.—in fact, an acknowledgment that they
see and are taking notice of the good results
of our work—yet in defense of our institution it
is absolutely essential that we use our best
endeavors to bring them into our fold before
they lose their enthusiasm—owing to the in-
ability of their local organization to bring about
the things they are seeking—or go to pieces
and disband.
We have had some experience in this mat-
ter and we have discovered to our sorrow that
it is impossible to interest men of a defunct
local association in organization matters until
time has healed the sting of their failure.
My trip East was on a mission of this kind
and how well I have succeeded is too early to
predict.
Initiation Fees
The men who are in the field are one and
all of the opinion that it is well-nigh impossi-
ble to go into virgin territory and exact from a
poor tuner the $25.00 initiation which our Con-
stitution calls for, and then on top of that $10.00
for dues, making $35.00. He just simply has
not got the money. I would suggest that the
national body in its Constitution set a minimum
fee and leave it to the individual divisions to
set their initiation at that figure, or raise it,
as they may decide.
Membership
There is considerable agitation in some quar-
ters that the national body admit as associate
W. F. McClellan
members such men as have proven themselves
in sympathy and accord with our principles,
the object being to increase our revenue.
Apprentices
One of our duties, and one which is coming
closer to us every day, is the educating of men
in our art to take our places when we are called
to the great beyond. Many times the question,
How about apprentices? is hurled at us. My
opinion on this matter is this: the N. A. of P.
T. has not as yet reached/ that point where it
Highest
Quality
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