About Rick Butler
I’ve spent more than 50 years working with pianos, and my approach has always been shaped by my training as a Steinway technician. I trained at the Steinway & Sons factory, where I learned the standards of precision, tone, and craftsmanship that continue to guide my work today. That experience set a benchmark for how I listen, how I work, and what I expect from an instrument.
Over the years, I’ve rebuilt and restored every major part of the piano—everything from re-stringing and soundboards to pinblocks, bridges, and complete action work. Just as important to me is how a piano feels and sounds in the hands of a player. Regulation, voicing, and touch are not just technical steps—they’re where the instrument becomes musical.
I’ve been a longtime member of the Piano Technicians Guild, and have served the Washington, D.C. chapter in a number of roles, including President. I’ve also had the opportunity to teach at regional and national conventions, and to help administer the Guild’s tuning and technical exams. That work has kept me closely connected to the highest standards in our field.
Teaching has become an important part of my work. Through The Butler School of Piano Technology, I train students who are serious about developing real skill—especially those working toward becoming Registered Piano Technicians (RPT). The goal is not just to pass an exam, but to truly understand the instrument and develop a reliable ear.
Today, I work alongside my sons, John and David, who are both members of the Piano Technicians Guild. Together, we handle tuning, regulation, voicing, and restoration work, continuing a shared commitment to careful, musically informed craftsmanship.