Registered Piano Technician

What is a Registered Piano Technician (R.P.T.)?

After 20 years in fine woodworking, an ankle injury made being on my feet all day impossible. So I put my woodworking tools and skills aside, picked up a tuning fork and tuning hammer, and began an 18 month apprenticeship with Steve Brady. Steve is the piano and concert technician at the University of Washington, as well as the editor of the Piano Technicians Journal. With him I studied the art of piano tuning, with weekly checks, instruction and encouragement. Included were many hours in the piano shop doing everything from minor adjustments and repairs to major disassembly and rebuilding. Much of the repair work involves wooden parts, such as laminated hard maple pin blocks, maple bridges, spruce ribs and sound boards.

Now I have come around full circle and can again use my woodworking experience, add in my music training and end up with very challenging and satisfying work that doesn't require standing up more than I am capable of. I love my work and feel very fortunate to have found this business that dovetails several of my lifelong interests.

I named my business Winter Creek PianoWorks, after the creek that runs through our small farm. We have 15 acres off Kelly Road between Mission and Sand. Winter Creek PianoWorks is also easier to pronounce and spell than my last name "Vredevoogd." My business now includes complete piano service, plus piano rentals, benches and almost any other piano accessory that you can think of.

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“Wintercreek Piano Works has provided services including piano tuning, repair, and impartial evaluation of bids for new pianos. He consults on needed repairs and the replacement schedule for our instruments. Bruce’s good judgment, reliable, friendly service makes Wintercreek a trusted vendor and partner in maintaining pianos in University Residences at Western Washington University. Congratulations on 10 years of great business Bruce! “

Leslie Strong
Assistant Director Facilities Interiors, University Residences, WWU

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“Bruce has been The Jazz Project’s piano technician for the last six concert seasons tuning for all of our professional performances including Randy Halberstadt, Jovino Santos Neto, Jessica Williams, Jennifer Scott, and many more. He hooked The Jazz Project up with Fandrich and Sons World Class Pianos to be our piano sponsor. The Project eventually bought a piano from Fandrich and Bruce has been its caretaker ever since. As any professional musician will attest, there is no substitute for a well-kept performance instrument. It’s like getting used to really good wine, there’s no turning back. Bruce’s attention to detail and professional work ethic coupled with his easy-going attitude, honesty, and integrity make him a pleasure to work with.”

Jud Sherwood
The Jazz Project, jsherwoodjazzproject@earthlink.net

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"Bruce Vredevoogd has been my piano technician for 8 years. I have 2 seven-foot grand pianos. Aside from tuning and regulating, Bruce recently finished restringing, replacing action parts and hammers of the Steinway. I am very pleased with the result; the action is now incredibly even and responsive, and the sound is wonderful. Next we are about to tackle the Baldwin grand.
 
His business ethic ranks very high. Bruce does what has been agreed upon and in a timely manner for a fair price.  I recommend him without hesitation."

Frank DeFreytas
(360) 384 6795 • F.DeFreytas@ATT.net

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"In his professional role as piano technician from my teaching studio, Bruce Vredevoogd has proven himself extremely competent and reliable. His skills in action-rebuilding, re-stringing, and regulation are excellent and his artistry in tuning the instrument is audible. He pays attention to the finest detail. Mr. Vredevoogd is a person of integrity. It is a pleasure to know and work with him."
 
Celia Chandler
Piano teacher and performer in Skagit Valley

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