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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. |
"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. Frank
DeFreytas _____________________________________________________________________ "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." |
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