Paul Bruno, Registered Piano Technician, University of Miami

The Unconservatory

Paul Bruno, RPT,

(Registered Piano Technician)

University of Miami, Frost School of Music

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Piano Technician Paul Bruno loved music and woodworking. As a teenager he enjoyed playing the bass guitar, acoustic guitar and the piano. He first started experimenting with piano tuning after graduating from high school and gained some proficiency at it. Paul: "All of my friends in high school turned to me for their tuning needs."

Photo forthcoming

Paul Bruno,

Registered Piano Technician

Paul left college to pursue a career in violin making as an apprentice under master violin maker Kurt Glaesel. However, the craft of piano tuning was calling. During this time Paul read an article in Readers Digest which stated that piano tuning was a dying art; with older piano tuners passing away, younger ones were very much needed.

The Perkins School of Piano Technology, a professional trade school, was where Paul received his formal training. Following this, Paul achieved Registered Craftsman Status in the Piano Technicians Guild and then began his own business. He eventually provided tuning and technical service for Oberlin Conservatory, the University of Michigan, and numerous other small colleges and schools. Paul also went through two intense weeks of training at Steinway and Sons Pianos in New York City. This training for elite technicians covers tuning, voicing and concert preparation for Steinway pianos.

Paul moved to Miami in 1999 where he accepted the demanding position of Piano Technician for the University of Miami School of Music. With two concert halls, numerous ensemble rooms and practice rooms, there are always pianos in need of attention.

Kirk Whipple & Marilyn Morales: "Here is a quick story about a man and his very special device. Paul Bruno has created and uses an amazing tuning hammer, which we have dubbed ‘The Mystical Tuning Hammer of Thor!’ Most piano technicians do not go to the length of actually fabricating their own tuning devices, and Paul creates a uniquely powerful and balanced tuning tool!"

Paul: "I spend several hours a day tuning pianos. And, since there are about 230 strings on each piano, repetitive motion injuries can occur. Through trial and error I created a tool that would remain comfortable in my hand for long periods of time and give me the power I need to produce accurate results consistently."

"I carved my first handle out of redwood, a very soft wood which is easy to shape. Once I had the shape and size I liked, I began to experiment with different hardwoods. My latest tuning hammer handle is made of lignum vitae, a rare and unusually dense hardwood that grows in the Florida Keys."

"I acquired a piece of this wood from a friend who had it lying around his back yard. After turning this piece of bare hardwood on a lathe into my desired size and shape, I press it together with the other main part of the tool, made from stainless steel. The two parts together form one solid piece, which I polish and finish in high gloss."

Kirk &Marilyn: "Paul’s finished product is truly a masterpiece, a creation by a master of his craft. If you meet Paul – and he’s not too busy - ask him to show you ‘The Mystical Tuning Hammer of Thor!’ You’ll be glad you did!"

Paul Bruno, Registered Piano Technician

University of Miami, Frost School of Music

P.O. Box 248165, Coral Gables, FL, 33124

Phone: (305) 284-2241

Email: pbruno@miami.edu