Today we’d like to introduce you to Glenn Yost.
Glenn, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
There is a certain solace in the peaceful rhythmic movement of strings. I look forward to hearing a piano come alive after spending time with this amazing instrument.
Since childhood, my Father encouraged me to tune pianos. Of course, I didn’t listen, but many years later the profession tracked me down. I worked as a musician for decades and always had friends who were piano technicians. One day, I gave in and started learning piano technology. While it’s not for everyone, I absolutely love my job.
Dad was right . . .
Great, 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?
Actually, it was quite smooth. As a Music Educator, pianos were always part of my career, so tuning and repairing pianos naturally grew out of my normal routines.
My Father was an automobile mechanic, so our family was always fixing broken things. Little did I realize that a living could be made from those early skill sets.
It’s humbling to think back on those childhood memories and hear my Dad saying, “You should tune pianos” and me thinking, “Why??”
Please tell us about Glenn’s Piano Service.
I tune and repair pianos.
Most of my day is usually tuning- an annual event for most clients. If not tuning, then it’s repairing any of the 5,000 pieces.
With thousands of adjustable parts, pianos often have issues from humidity (sticking parts), wear and tear (hopefully from practicing), and just accidental episodes (pencils stuck in the action).
I’m most proud of the individual care I give a piano. I see them as living things (wood and wool) that were surely played at weddings, funerals, birthday parties, anniversaries, etc. It’s so satisfying to hear an old upright or grand come alive after being silent for years. It’s not uncommon to see clients cry when they hear an old piano “sing”.
There are also many new pianos that I service. Since everything is brand new, my satisfaction comes from the anticipation of this instrument becoming part of a new family.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Playing the Mandolin with Dad on the banjo and Mom baking fresh, warm bread.
Contact Info:
- Website: itunepianos.com
- Phone: 832-492-1556
- Email: glenn@itunepianos.com
Image Credit:
Donald Williams
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
