In this innovative program of choice, students will develop the necessary skills to work as a professional piano tuner or piano technician upon graduation. Piano technicians tune, repair, regulate and voice pianos at concert venues, as well as colleges and universities. Due to a lack of training programs, these professionals are in great demand across the world. The starting salary for a piano tuner is $45,000 and piano technicians earn $60,000+ annually. There are no gender or physical limitations for piano tuners and piano technicians beyond the ability to use hand tools and distinguish pitch. Students wishing to pursue a career in music can use their piano tuner/technician skills to pay for their college education.

The Piano Technician program is housed and taught at Marshall High School as a series of four one-year courses to any interested FBISD high school students. Students must transfer to Marshall High School to participate in the program. Transportation will be provided to/from Marshall High School before/after school. Students enrolled in the Piano Technician program will study the parts of the piano and their function, as well as how to tune, repair, move, and finish pianos. Financial literacy and operating a small business also are part of the curriculum. The Piano Technician program is a collaborative effort between FBISD and the University of Houston’s Moores School of Music. Students will earn high school credit as well as an industry certification (Piano Technicians Guild’s Registered Piano Technician) upon high school graduation and may pursue post-secondary training and Master Piano Technician certification at the University of Houston. There are opportunities for additional training and apprenticeships through piano retailers and manufacturers.

Preferred Prerequisites: Students wishing to enroll in this program should be able to hear and distinguish pitch, have taken a prior music course—such as band, choir or orchestra – or studied piano privately.

To apply, select the Piano Technician I course during the course selection process and you can complete the following Microsoft Form by either clicking the link under Helpful Links or scanning the QR Code on the side.