Piano Technician

Fine-tune the soul of music as a Piano Technician.

Combine acute hearing with mechanical precision to build, maintain and restore these complex instruments to their optimal condition. In this role, you’ll work with a range of pianos, from cherished family heirlooms to concert grand pianos, ensuring each note resonates with perfect clarity and warmth.

As a Piano Technician, you are the guardian of one of the most complex and beloved musical instruments. Your work requires a rare combination of musical sensitivity, mechanical aptitude, and meticulous attention to detail. You’ll be responsible for keeping pianos in tune and in optimal playing condition, preserving their sound quality and extending their lifespan. 

In this role, you’ll work with a wide range of pianos, from upright models in private homes to concert grand pianos in prestigious performance venues. Your toolkit will include specialised equipment like tuning hammers, pitch forks, and electronic tuning devices. You’ll need to develop an intimate understanding of piano mechanics, including the intricate actions of keys, hammers, and strings. 

Your responsibilities will go beyond just tuning. You may be called upon to repair or replace worn parts, adjust the action for optimal performance, or even completely restore vintage instruments. At the highest level, you’ll provide comprehensive rebuilding and remanufacturing services, which can include refurbishing or replacing critical components such as soundboards, bridges, pin blocks, strings, dampers, actions, keyboards, and pedal systems. This advanced work requires deep expertise and often involves breathing new life into historical instruments. 

 As technology advances, you may also work with digital pianos and hybrid instruments, requiring you to stay current with both traditional techniques and modern electronics. Whether you’re preparing a piano for a world-class concert, restoring a century-old grand piano, or helping a beginner get the most out of their first instrument, your work will play a crucial role in the world of music. 

In this role, your duties may include:

  1. Tune pianos to the correct pitch and temperament
  2. Regulate the action to ensure consistent touch and response
  3. Repair or replace worn or damaged parts
  4. Voice the instrument to achieve the desired tonal quality
  5. Advise clients on piano care and maintenance
  6. Rebuild and remanufacture pianos, including refurbishing or replacing major components
  7. Restore vintage and antique pianos to their original condition

Becoming a Piano Technician typically requires a combination of education and practical experience.  

  1. To prepare for a career as a Piano Technician you should aim to complete your Year 10 secondary education. Completing Years 11 and 12 will also provide a good foundation and give you access to information through school subjects, teamwork opportunities, and building communication skills. 
  2. If you are at school, you may be able to complete a Certificate II in Furniture Making Pathways (MSF20522). This will give you some foundation skills.  
  3. If you have an interest in becoming a piano technician, you can apply directly to an employer. Research potential employers in your area via a search engine, social media or job site. Even if there are no jobs advertised with the employer you’re interested in, it can be a good idea to send a cover letter with your resume expressing your interest. 
Also Known As:
  • Piano Tuner
  • Instrument Repair Technician
A Quick Look
Key Skills:

Skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a piano technician include:

  • Advanced woodworking
  • Aural acuity
  • Customer service
  • Hand-eye coordination
  • Mechanical aptitude
  • Piano construction
Values & Attributes:

Values and attributes of anyone considering a job as a piano technician include:

  • Attention to detail
  • Solutions-focused
  • Customer-focus
  • Quality-focused
  • Patience
  • Conventional – “Organiser”
Recommended School Subjects:
  • Design
  • Industrial Graphics Skills
  • Music
  • Music in Practice
  • Visual Arts
  • Visual Arts in Practice
Core School Subjects:
  • General Mathematics
  • Furnishing Skills
  • Essential English
Related Industries

Salary Expectations

The expected salary for a Piano Technician can vary across different areas of manufacturing and may vary as you become more experienced. 

Low
$55,000
Median
$70,000
High
$90,000

Vocational education and training can significantly enhance your career prospects as a Piano Technician.

The Certificate IV in Piano Technology (MSF40522) is a specialised qualification that provides comprehensive training in this unique field. This course equips you with essential skills in piano tuning, regulation, repair, and restoration. You’ll gain hands-on experience in working with various types of pianos, from uprights to grand pianos, and learn to use specialized tools and equipment.

Holding a degree in manufacturing, human resources, finance, economics, marketing or management can be helpful if you are considering taking a step into leadership or a business ownership position.

Specialist higher education qualifications that may be useful in this role include:

  • Bachelor of Built Environment
  • Bachelor of Music

Career progression

In this role, you may have the opportunity to progress to other positions. Career progression opportunities include:

Explore the furniture and other products industry

Australian furniture manufacturers have earned a reputation for quality, sustainability, and innovative design. The industry draws inspiration from the country’s unique landscapes, multicultural influences, and contemporary lifestyle trends to create products that are both distinctively Australian and globally appealing. With a focus on sustainable materials and eco-friendly production methods, many manufacturers are at the forefront of the green furniture movement, responding to growing consumer demand for environmentally responsible products.

Furniture and other products industry