Meet Teri Meredyth | Piano Technician/Rebuilder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Teri Meredyth and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Teri, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
Most people think of “piano tuners” when they talk about people who work on pianos. We call ourselves Piano Technicians, because most of us do WAY more than just tune. Maintaining a fine instrument involves regulating (adjusting) the action, for example, and voicing the hammers so the tone pleases the piano’s owner. It may also involve repair, and eventually, complete restoration. Restoring a good instrument is truly one of life’s joys for me! After nearly forty years as a self-employed Piano Technician/Rebuilder, I still enjoy the variety of work involved in my profession.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
When I was a young Piano Technician, I set my sights high. I knew I wanted to do concert work and complete restoration right from the beginning. So I sought out those in my profession who were well-respected, and worked in all facets of the business. I did a lot of work for free, and later, for apprentice wages. Learning my craft through time spent with my mentors was priceless! We became lifelong friends, and I learned how to work on pianos, but also communicate successfully with artists/clients. I learned to “care” from my mentors; care about the quality of instruments I worked on, care about the quality of my own work and care about meeting the needs of my clients. I would say this combination of skill and personal investment in my work is what defines my “brand”!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My gosh… I can’t imagine taking a week off just to do fun stuff, unless it involved my dogs! I have Belgian Tervuren (Belgian Shepherds), and most of my good friends these days are involved in dog shows/dog sports, etc. So, we would likely go to dog-friendly places. I live near Palos Verdes, and love to visit Highridge Park and Ernie Howlett Park. Favorite local eateries are the Good Stuff and Lazy Dog restaurants in PV, Redondo Beach and Torrance. A must-do for any out of town friend is dinner at our favorite place in Pasadena, Bacchus Kitchen! Chef Claud Beltran and his wonderful staff make every visit feel like a family affair. Did I mention the dog-friendly patio?

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shoutout goes to my colleagues in The Piano Technicians Guild! Without them, I never would have had the opportunity to apprentice in the trade, and continue learning through the years. My first teachers gave me the opportunity of a lifetime, and fortunately I’ve had the gifts and talents to repay their investment in me. My friends in the Guild have truly become family over the years, as we’ve worked together, taught at PTG Conventions and given certifying exams.

Another shoutout goes to those piano dealers who work hard to offer quality instruments and service to their clients! They provide in-store piano prep work and new clients to us Piano Technicians. We in turn prepare their pianos for sale, and refer clients to them whenever possible.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teri.meredyth/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3mm7OG53Nk

Other: Email: teri22ns@att.net Cellphone: 310-702-2389

Image Credits
Teri Meredyth, Nina Sage