Hello Folks!
Figured it was long past due since I sent out another update on the status of getting back to piano servicing in the area. Part of the delay has been that I was unsure of what exactly I needed to do and how I wanted to move forward. Especially in consideration with the upcoming winter season, current state of the pandemic, forecasts on the economy and my family. In the midst of this deep thought, I have had concern arise with my tuning arm and shoulder that I anticipated to be only temporary. However, I have come to the reluctant realization that this problem will be ongoing for quite awhile and even in the best of times, would have made tuning pianos not a viable option. As a result, starting this month of October, I have decided to close Attune Piano Services indefinitely.
I am sure many of you have several questions, some of which I will try to answer below. But first, I want to thank all of you for your support, patience and understanding that you have granted me over the years. To say that I could not have done this without you would be a gross understatement. And I mean all of you. From the coffee shops, libraries, grocery store parking lots (so many parking lots…) and everywhere in between that offered me wifi access and allowed me to run a business from the road. And the friends, clients, teachers and event planners who provided a ride when I had no wheels; and a place for me to lay my head when returning home at the end of a long day simply was not an option. To the Washington State Ferry workers who knew my face well, offered a friendly ear on the days when I was stuck on one island or another into the late hours of the night, and on one occasion, announced over the intercom for all the world to hear, that the piano tuner had forgotten one of her belongings and to kindly ‘RUN!’ to fetch it before vehicles and passengers departed the vessel. No doubt there was a laugh or two as they watched me sprint up two flights of stairs, down the length of the boat, grab my item without a word and return in similar fashion. It has been an incredible journey for me. And so I say again - thank you! I truly could not have done this without you!
A few additional words before signing off…
May your life forever be filled with the joys of music,
May your days always provide the good fortune you wish it to be,
May your memories hold a fulness of a life well-lived,
May your future be inspired by that of a beautiful new day.
Most Sincerely,
Vada Dunford
--------------
Questions & Answers
Q. What if I was on the waiting list?
A. Like so many other aspects about this year, the predictable has become the unpredictable. I offer you my genuine apologies that I will not be able to fulfill your request. There are some very fine piano technicians in this region who may be able to provide the piano services in which you are seeking.
Q. Do you recommend anyone? Who should I call?
A. I must point you in the direction of the Piano Technicians Guild. This organization is a certifying body of standards within the piano industry and has a directory of Registered Piano Technicians. Which you can find here https://www.ptg.org/home
Q. Will you ever be returning to piano tuning?
A. Not sure at this time. To be determined. But if I do, I will let you know.
Q. Are you going to move back to Alaska?
A. Oddly, I get asked this question frequently. Quite simply, it is not my plan at this time. Washington State has been my home for the past seven years. And it is a beautiful place on the planet that I feel lucky in which to reside.
Q. What will you do now?
A. Well first off, keep on living the good life as best I can. Believe it’s fair to say that one must live, in order to have lived. And for me, I love the additional insight on life that a higher education can provide. Though surprisingly, I have never finished my college degree despite it always being a dream. I think I’ll do that now. Because, I cannot think of a better time to stop, breathe and become a student all over again.
