Today we’d like to introduce you to Travis Black.
Hi Travis, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in a small town in central Missouri. Music has always been part of my life. When I was a kid, my grandmother put me in piano lessons. I joined the school band in fifth grade playing saxophone. I sang in my church’s choir through high school. And when I went to college, I chose to pursue a music degree to be prepared to lead church music as my primary vocation.
One of my college professors was also the university’s piano tuner. I found the process so interesting that I decided to ask if he would teach me how to tune. So we made a deal: I traded him labor on his home projects for piano tuning lessons. I still think I got the better end of the deal! Since then, I’ve kept a steady schedule of tunings on the side as I’ve served my church as Worship Pastor. Through the last decade, I’ve continued my piano tuning/repair education. I’ve grown consistently in my understanding of various issues a piano may present and the repair process to fix those issues. It’s such a joy to be able to serve and provide both expertise and a personal connection with clients!
I love what I do! Whether I’m serving my church or tuning/repairing pianos, music continues to be a major part of my life. I’m grateful to be able to serve both my church and my clients.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
For the most part, my journey has been relatively smooth. I didn’t really know what my future looked like until March of my senior year in high school. But when I decided to serve the church vocationally, all the right doors began to open. I’m grateful for the pastors, professors, and other leaders in my life who have given sacrificially to teach and prepare me to be successful. My biggest struggle is really quite common: everything is expensive. I have a wife and 4 little girls at home. I work hard to provide for them while continuing to serve my church well. Part of my provision is working my piano service business as much as I can on the side. It takes a lot to have a successful service business. I need a regular stream of new clients and a reliable way to retain loyal clients. Communication and marketing are areas I’ve had to really hone as a business owner. It’s not as easy as magically getting clients scheduled and showing up to take care of their pianos. A lot of effort goes in behind the scenes to get clients, communicate well with them, retain them for future appointments, manage my business finances, keep up with supplies and tools, continue my education, and more! It’s hard to have time for everything!
As you know, we’re big fans of Hammer & Strings Piano Service. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I tune and service pianos under my business name, Hammer & Strings Piano Service. I service the northern KC region. Most of my work revolves around tuning pianos but there is much more! My most popular service package includes a standard tuning, light cleaning, some minor repairs, fixing sticking keys, light regulation, or anything else I can fit into an extra 30 minutes. Beyond that, I’m always willing to take on larger projects such as hammer shaping, voicing, action regulation, and larger repair projects.
I think what sets me apart from other technicians is my forthright communication and ability to help clients understand exactly what to expect from me as a technician in our appointments. I make it clear to my clients what my service packages include regarding my services and my pricing. I also love to interact with my clients. Some clients just want me to come in, do my work, and head out…and that’s fine! But I love to answer questions and help people understand exactly what I’m doing. It’s still fun for me to be able to teach people about the instruments that they own! And I love answering questions from curious clients.
There are other tuners in the area and we each have our own unique outlook at the field in which we serve. I try to be both expert in my field and winsome with my clients. According to my Google business reviews, my clients appreciate my clear communication, my expertise, and my kind interactions.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Absolutely! Finding a mentor and a group of peers is one of the most valuable things an aspiring piano technician can do. One of my college professors was also my university’s piano tuner. I credit him with my excellent jump start in this field. The summer I spent learning under him was invaluable. Without someone taking me on and showing me the ropes, I wouldn’t have been nearly as prepared or successful as I am in this field.
For someone interested in this field, I would encourage you to find a local technician or school and jump in. Immerse yourself in the field and start learning! It would also be a good idea to join the Piano Technician’s Guild. The PTG is an international professional organization for piano technicians. And the best part for Kansas City natives is the PTG is headquartered right here in KC!
Networking and mentorship opportunities aren’t difficult to find in this field. You just need a willingness to put in some work and discipline…then dive in!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hammerandstrings.pro/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HammerStringsPianoService/
