Ryan W. Sowers, RPT

Piano Touch & Tone Expert

Specializing in Steinway & Sons fine pianos

^{Last updated: March 2013}

Email: ryan@pianova.net Phone: (360) 705-4160 or (800) 972-8863

Philosphy

Although we specialize in bringing out the best potential of fine pianos, we also work on many modest instruments as well. We believe that even small, inexpensive pianos have musical potential that can be realized with the proper technique and workmanship. Another of our strongly-held beliefs is that children and beginners deserve good-playing instruments. Learning to play piano is a challenging enterprise. The additional stumbling block of a piano with unpleasant and uneven touch and tone can sabotage even motivated students. We also recognize that every piano owner’s needs and expectations are unique. We strive to use our time in the most efficient manner possible to meet our client’s needs to the best of our abilities. We endeavor to build partnerships with our clients in order to best realize their musical dreams.

Experience

Over 35 years of piano playing experience

1996-Present Owner, Pianova Piano Service, Olympia WA

1998 Worked for Michael Reiter, RPT, Tacoma’s most well-respected piano technician/rebuilder.

1997 Worked for Snyder’s Piano Service, Bonny Lake, WA

1995 Worked for Grace Piano Service, Olympia, WA

Education

2013 Spent one week at the Rappaport Piano Workshop, in Round Rock, TX. The Rappaports received formal piano building training in Germany and worked for Bechstein & Bosendorfer. They are considered among the top piano rebuilders in the United States.

2012 Completed the fourth five-day “Concert Prep” Seminar and the final three-day “Polishing and Touch-up” Seminar at the Steinway & Sons factory in New York City.

2011 Completed third five-day “Damper Seminar” at the Steinway & Sons factory

2010 Completed second five-day “Voicing Seminar” at Steinway & Sons factory.

2009 Completed the five-day “Comprehensive Piano Service Seminar” at the C. F. Theodore Steinway Academy conducted at the Steinway & Sons Factory, Long Island City, New York.

2001 Apprenticed with Darrel Fandrich, RPT, owner of Fandrich & Sons, Stanwood, WA. Mr. Fandrich is an internationally recognized technician and holds several patents for improved piano designs and is a former technician for the Seattle Symphony. Apprenticeship included grand piano action rebuilding, advanced voicing and regulating.

1998 Attended Yamaha’s technician training program at Yamaha North American Headquarters, Los Angeles, California.

1992-1994 Apprenticed with Mitch Kiel, RPT, former piano technician for the Washington Center of the Performing Arts.

1993 Graduated from The Evergreen State College with credits in piano technology.

Professional Affiliations

Ryan is currently the technician for the following organizations and institutions:

St. Martins University

The Evergreen State College

Grays Harbor College

Yenney Music Company

The Olympia Studio

Mason County Community Concert Association

Lewis County Concert Association

Annas Bay Music Festival

Chinook Music Educators Association

North Thurston School District

Shelton School District

Olympia School District

Tumwater School District

2012-Present President of Olympia Music Teachers Association

2011-2012 President Elect of the Olympia Music Teachers Association

2011 Director, Piano Technicians Guild Annual Technical Institute

2009-2011 Member of National Institute Team for the Piano Technicians Guild Annual Conference

2008-2011 President of the Puget Sound Chapter of the Piano Technicians Guild

2006-2008 Vice-President of the Puget Sound Chapter of PTG

1994-present Registered Member of the Piano Technicians Guild

1997-present Active in administering the Piano Technicians Guild Tuning Exam

2000-2003 President of the Pacific Northwest Conference Organization PTG

2000-2003 President of the Puget Sound Chapter of PTG

1997-2000 Vice-president of Puget Sound Chapter of PTG

1996 Member, National Ethics Committee, PTG

1992-1994 Associate (apprentice) member of PTG

Continuing Education

Ryan believes in the power of continuing education! Since joining PTG in 1992 Ryan has attended dozens of conferences, seminars, and workshops from Washington D.C. to Los Angeles. Through these events he has had the opportunity to learn from some of our nation’s top piano technicians and rebuilders. In 2007 and 2008 he attended several day-long seminars taught by nationally respected technician, Steve Brady, RPT. Between 2009 and 2012 Ryan completed approximately 140 hours of specialized training at the Steinway & Sons Factory in New York. Ryan was recently accepted into Steinway’s exclusive College and University Technician Seminar which will be held at Oberlin Conservatory in the summer of 2013.

Ryan has also taught classes on piano technology at the local and regional level. In 2010 he presented a well-received program on piano tuning self-study for the New York chapter of PTG at Faust Harrison Pianos.

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