The technician who cared for my piano when I was little was kind enough to talk with me and show me how things worked and why.  (Never underestimate the impact you might have on a curious child.)  By the time I was 14 or 15, I knew that I needed to be a piano tuner.  I had been called. 

But life being as it is, it took me a while to get here.  Instead, I went to college and then worked as an historian for nearly two decades, mostly in museums as a researcher, writer, curator, and exhibit designer, which was a lot of fun.  I worked on railroad and oil field history, as well as on local history topics and projects. It was great work for someone who loves solving puzzles!

In the '90s, I worked for a software company - but in 2000, when I was at a Major Decision Point in my life, I heard that my piano technician was looking for an apprentice - and I knew it was finally time to do what I had always dreamed of doing.  I studied with him, worked through a home-study course, and I joined the Piano Technicians Guild (PTG).

And it has been every bit as wonderful as I thought it would be.  I love what I do:  working with and on pianos, helping customers, educating people, and finding ways to solve problems that require creativity, thoughtfulness, and good humor.  What a joy!

When I'm not working on pianos, I occasionally write for the PTG's Journal, the Iowa Music Teacher, and the Wapsipinicon Almanac.  And I play piano for contradances, as well as English Country and Scottish Country dances.