A Piano Technicians Guild, Chicago Chapter
Piano Donation Program
 

I. Scope
This program is designed to help organizations and individuals who have piano needs but limited resources to obtain and maintain such instruments. The program will also help to promote and further the work of the Chicago Chapter of the Piano Technicians Guild, the national PTG, and the individual member technicians who choose to participate in such a worthwhile venture. It is hoped that the envisioned program will establish a win/win endeavor for all parties involved and, more specifically, provide benefits to:
A.  the recipients of  reconditioned pianos which will help to promote the study and enjoyment of piano music;
B. the individual technician by providing localized reconditioning facilities where experience can be gained working on real life pianos under the careful eye of more experienced technicians;
C. the Chicago Chapter by helping more Associates to upgrade to RPT status as well as having the Chapter to receive favorable promotional recognition;
D. the Piano Technicians Guild (PTG) at large by presenting opportunities across the world to learn of the programs merits;
E. the suppliers of pianos, replacement parts suppliers, transportation services and other supporting parties by, again, providing favorable promotional recognition for these contributing partners.

II. Site Locations
The aim here will be to have several different locations spread across the Chicago  area where chapter members (both RPTs and Associates) have local access to work that will be accomplished.  Preferably, target areas will lie in the north, northwest, west, southwest, and southern suburbs as well as more central downtown locations. Once pianos are located, they will be placed in suitable reconditioning venues where work can be done by chapter personnel for the purpose of training, camaraderie, and fulfillment of the charitable cause.

III. Program Director
A Program Director will be appointed by the Chapter Executive Board and will serve under the Membership Committee.  The Director will oversee and coordinate all site location activities, as well as making the selection of necessary Piano Donation Committee members.

IV. Site Supervisors
Each site facility will have a qualified RPT supervisor to lead and schedule the work to be done.  Supervisors will be technicians experienced in this kind of work and all scheduled tasks will be labor free, as well as the costs of parts and materials necessary for the reconditioning, including the moving charges associated with the project.

V. Pianos to be Reconditioned
The program is not intended to provide "rebuilt" pianos - only "reconditioned" instruments. The selection process will be based upon a set of written criteria.  Therefore, very old verticals or grands, needing everything, will not be sought or accepted for site work.  Preferably, vertical consoles, of decent quality, at least in the initial stages of the program, will be solicited.  Other types of pianos will be considered on down the line so as to provide diversified learning opportunities.

VI. Recipients
A Donation Committee, made up of Music School Administrators or Teachers as well as other notable Chicagoland Music aficionados, and, of course, the Piano Donation Program Director, will seek out worthwhile individuals or organizations to receive the pianos.  Special care will need to be given to the selection to ensure neutrality and worthiness of each and every recipient.

VII. Supplies and Transportation Donors
Suppliers of these services will be sought out for their help and assistance.  Parts vendors will be contacted to create budgets for parts and supplies and cartage companies will likewise be sought for their free participation.

VIII. Piano Donors
Dealerships and music organizations across the region will be contacted for their support.  Dealerships, as well as individuals, will be recognized for their donations at appropriate times.

IX. Aftercare
Technicians from across the areas where pianos have found their eventual home will be solicited for upkeep and recognition of their efforts will be promoted.