Getting started in piano tuning
Steps to go from zero to your first paying piano tuning client.
- 1
Learn the trade
Piano tuning has no universal license requirement, but real skill takes real training — through a dedicated piano technology program (e.g. a college piano tech program), an apprenticeship with an established tuner, or PTG's home-study course, before charging clients.
- 2
Get a tuning kit and electronic tuning device
Budget roughly $40-100 for basic hand tools (tuning hammer, mutes, temperament strip) and $600-1,000 for professional tuning software or a dedicated electronic tuning device to tune efficiently and consistently.
- 3
Get liability insurance
Budget roughly $1,500-2,000/yr for general liability and tools coverage — you're working inside clients' homes on a valuable, delicate instrument.
- 4
Consider PTG membership and certification
Joining the Piano Technicians Guild (roughly $300/yr) and working toward Registered Piano Technician (RPT) status is optional but supports charging the higher end of the market rate and adds you to a client-facing member directory.
- 5
Set your rates
Price a standard tuning visit using the calculator above, and decide your travel-fee radius and pitch-raise add-on price for pianos that haven't been tuned recently.
- 6
Build a local client base
Piano teachers, schools, churches, and local piano/music stores are strong referral sources — reach out directly, since they regularly refer their students' and customers' families to a trusted tuner.
- 7
List yourself locally and get reviews
A Google Business Profile, the PTG online directory, and word-of-mouth from piano teachers drive most early bookings; ask happy clients (who tend to need annual return visits) for a Google review.