I have lived in Calgary all my life. I attended Mount Royal College (communications diploma) and the University of Calgary. I completed the Randy Potter School of Piano Technology course and received additional training from Ted Sambell, RPT, Chris Gregg, RPT, and many other noted technicians.
I have been tuning pianos in Calgary and the surrounding area since 1995. I have been contracted by Irene Besse Keyboards and St. John’s Music in Calgary to maintain pianos for them.
I have been a member of the Piano Technicians Guild (PTG) of North America since 1995, and a Registered Piano Technician since 2006. I continually improve my skills as a piano technician and keep informed about the latest techniques.
Member of the Piano Technicians Guild (PTG) of North America since 1995.
Registered Piano Technician since 2006.
Contracted by Irene Besse Keyboards and St. John’s Music in Calgary to maintain pianos for them.
I always endeavour to continually improve my skills as a piano technician and keep informed about the latest techniques.
Like one of my customer’s described, finding a good piano technician can be compared to looking for a family doctor. They are few and far between. My wide range of skills, training and experience sets me apart. I’ve been piano tuning in Calgary since 1995 and I still love pianos and I’m passionate about my work.
Mark Calkhoven is a Registered Piano Technician (RPT) and a member of the Piano Technicians Guild.
Here’s more information to explain what these organizations and designations mean.
A Registered Piano Technician (RPT) has passed a series of rigorous examinations on the maintenance, repair, and tuning of pianos. Only RPTs are authorized by The Piano Technicians Guild to display the logo containing the words “Registered Piano Technician”.
In order to promote the highest standards of professional conduct of Piano Technicians Guild members, and to foster a relationship of trust between PTG members and their clients, this Code of Ethics constitutes the standards for which each member will be held accountable, and to which each member agrees upon joining PTG.
The thing that affects pianos here the most is the dry conditions in Calgary’s winter months. Having a furnace humidifier or some form of humidity control can be essential for a piano to survive and thrive here.
I recommend purchasing a digital humidity gauge (usually one for around $15.00 – 20.00 should suffice). 42% is ideal, but not usually attainable in most homes in the cold months. I have found if you can manage around 30% or better in the winter months, most pianos will do just fine. It is very important not to over humidify your home, as soon as there is condensation or ice on the windows the humidity must be turned down.
I recommend tuning a piano once a year until it is in a stable condition. Once stabilized, a piano in good condition in a place where the humidity is stable can stay close to pitch and in tune for extended periods of time.
In addition to Piano Tuning, I offer a full range of services, including repair and rebuilding to keep your piano in tip top shape.
With over 25 years of experience, I offer a range of services for your piano, including: tuning and pitch raising, repairs, regulation, voicing, and rebuilding.
