FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Transparent Pricing & Services I believe in straightforward, honest pricing with no hidden fees. Standard Professional Tuning: $175. For pianos tuned regularly (every 6–12 months) and kept in climate-controlled environments. Allow up to 2 hours. Standard Tuning + Pitch Raise: $225. For pianos that are significantly flat, haven’t been tuned in years, or have been subject to large humidity swings. This requires a "pre-tuning" pass to stabilize the thousands of pounds of tension on the frame before the fine tuning can begin. Allow up to 3 hours. Mike the Piano Tuner's Guarantee: If I determine your piano is stable enough to skip the pitch raise, you will not be charged for one. Mechanical Repairs & Regulation: $90/hour Repairs (such as fixing sticky keys, squeaky pedals, or broken strings) are separate from tuning services. I will always provide an estimate before beginning any repair work. Repairs requiring more than a few minutes generally require a separate appointment.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I respond as quickly as I can (within a few minutes if I'm not driving, tuning or sleeping) to provide you with more info and a link to my calendar so you can choose a time that fits YOUR schedule. Depending on my availability, you can book anywhere from two days to several months out. In the event that I have a last-minute opening that doesn't show on my calendar, I will let you know that as well. Once your appointment is booked, you'll receive an email confirmation. You'll also receive a reminder a few days prior to your appointment, as well as on the day of. I am always available to answer questions via email, phone or text.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
My work is backed by a lifetime of elite musical training. I hold a degree in Music Performance from the Eastman School of Music and have over a decade of private piano study. As a professional percussionist, I’ve performed with world-class ensembles like the National Symphony Orchestra, which has refined my ear to a professional standard of pitch and resonance. In addition, I am a Licensed Music Educator in Maryland with years of experience in instrumental and vocal music. My piano tuning training includes self-study and a great deal of hands-on practice on all types of pianos. I am currently pursuing my Registered Piano Technician (RPT) certification through the renowned Butler School of Piano Technology. I bridge the gap between artistry and technology by using a hybrid of modern electronic precision and traditional aural methods to ensure every piano sounds its absolute best