Scaling Up Skills: Andrew Kopp’s Latest Honor

Area Piano Technician Completes Advanced Training

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota — Andrew Kopp of Golden Valley, Minnesota, recently completed an intensive three-day seminar conducted by the Piano Technicians Guild.

“Grand Action Regulation in 37 Steps” covered all phases of grand piano regulation. Attendees learned how to increase action control, even movement, maximize the dynamic range, and achieve the fastest speed of repetition available. The course also included a detailed demonstration and explanation of the 37-step method of regulating a grand piano, alternating with guided practice on each step. 

Andrew passed a final regulation skills test at the end of the class. 

“Today’s piano technicians must develop skills that go way beyond tuning to meet the needs of their clients,” said Norman Cantrell, RPT, President of the PTG. “Classes like this are one of the ways technicians can learn to offer the highest level of service.”

Limited to 10 participants, the hands-on class offered by PTG is a successor to the well-respected “Little Red Schoolhouse” program offered by Yamaha Corporation of America. PTG took over the program in 2012 and has continued to grow and expand the class.

Said Andrew of this educational opportunity, “I originally learned regulation as part of my training at Minnesota School of Piano Technology.  This PTG intensive hands-on course allowed me to take a deeper dive into grand piano regulation and allowed me to work with four instructors who showed me many new tactics for diagnosing problems and approaching solutions.  

“This course is wonderful for any technician, whether they are brand new or have many years under their belts. The instructors were able to meet everyone where they were and lift their skills to the next level.”

Andrew is a co-founder and co-owner of A Kopp Music, a Golden Valley music education studio he has operated with his wife and business partner, Alicia, since 2017. Andrew and Alicia offer online and in-person music instruction in piano, flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, ukulele, guitar, bassoon, and shakuhachi along with early music instruction for students ages 4-7.  Additionally, Andrew is a certified piano technician and offers a wide range of piano services, including tuning, pitch raises, repairs, humidity control system installations, appraisals, and much more.

The Piano Technicians Guild is the world’s premier source of piano service expertise. It promotes the highest possible standards of piano service by providing opportunities for professional development, by recognizing technical competence through examinations, and by advancing the interests of its members.