PERSONAL BACKGROUND: Ralph Joseph Onesti, RPT
(Registered/Qualified/Certified Member of the Piano Technicians Guild an international association of qualified, certified piano technicians)
Registration Number: 6898
Federal Number: 23-2491388
Having several decades invested in the piano industry, the necessary background, skills, and expertise were drawn from many critical areas. Now recognized, both regionally, nationally, and internationally, RALPH JOSEPH ONESTI PIANO RESTORATIONS is responsible for setting, and keeping, the standard for the highest quality instrument restorations, as well as efficient and timely service in the home or on the concert stage.
The following is a chronological outline and brief biography of the education, training, development and related experiences leading to the aforementioned credentials:
• Temple University, Drexel University, Community College of Philadelphia - Engineering
• Temple University, Philadelphia Musical Academy - Music Education
• Violin manufacturing, 3 years
• Acoustic classical guitar manufacturing
• Studied With:
John Scheer; tuning, repairs, concert preparation.
• Instructor for:
Temple University/Main Campus, two-semester, four credit course in Piano Technology.
Piano Technicians Guild: Local, Regional, National, and international levels.
Master Piano Technicians of America: Local, Regional, National levels.
• Subject Expert:
Appraisal expert in the field or Piano Technology for high level insurance companies, auction houses, attorneys, piano owners for sales and insurance, Internal Revenue Service for non-cash donations for over 4 decades.
Listed with the Technical Advisory Service for Attorneys. (TASA)
Experience in; deposition, mediation, arbitration, and court.
Top expert in the New York Times owned web site: Allexperts.com
• Chapter President: Philadelphia Chapter, Piano Technicians Guild (past/2 years continuous)
• Member: Rebuilding Standards Committee of the International Piano Technicians Guild (past)
• Member: Testing Standards Review Committee of the International Piano Technicians Guild (past)
• Chairperson: Regional Testing Center Committee of the International Piano Technicians Guild (past)
• Chairperson: Northeast Regional Advertising Committee. (past)
• Recipient of Distinguished Service Award - Rose Tree/Media School District 1994
• Published in the International Piano Technicians Journal
TECHNICAL BIOGRAPHY: Ralph Joseph Onesti, RPT
1964 to Present:
Early on, it was quite evident to family and friends that Ralph Onesti had an uncanny talent for understanding and memorizing, not only the mechanics, but also the physics, of many things. Soon after, he began his studies in the field of Piano Technology in 1962, with his uncle, a longtime Piano Craftsman. After showing great accomplishment and determining that he could do no more for Ralph, his uncle sent him to become an apprentice to one, John L. Scheer, a nationally recognized technician. Once under Mr. Scheer’s tutelage, he became proficient in various, essential, field techniques. This was to become the start of RALPH JOSEPH ONESTI PIANO RESTORATIONS.
In addition to running a piano service business, with a growing passion for acoustical instruments, Ralph then studied violin making and classical guitar building with a local luthier. Through this experience, coupled with his own perceptive and acute awareness, the need to be further educated was acknowledged.
It became very clear to Ralph that for him, working with the piano would not be limited simply to tuning and repairs. As always, he would not be satisfied until he fully understood every aspect of the job he was to undertake. Therefore, he enrolled in studies in the field of engineering, specifically the areas of Acoustics and Physics.
Having acquired the book knowledge, he then set out to further familiarize himself through training with several recognized leaders in the piano industry. In every case, as recognized by these masters, the student quickly surpassed the mentor. In addition, he felt it imperative that he not only become somewhat proficient at playing the instrument, but also that he completed courses in Music Education.
It is therefore, evident that a full background, including engineering, music education, piano studies, and studies in the field of stringed instruments, has laid the foundation for Ralph Onesti becoming one of the most recognized piano remanufacturers in the country and the finest service facility in the Delaware Valley.
Onesti, realizing that perfection in any field is impossible, continues to strive for improvement in his day-to-day work. As a result of this attitude, and his desire to give back to the field of Piano Technology, some of those benefits that he has derived, he set out to instruct those less knowledgeable than he. His teaching has taken him from private lessons in his shop, to teaching a full Piano Technology Course at the university level, as well as teaching regionally, nationally, and internationally for The Piano Technicians Guild and the Master Piano Technicians of America. Add to this, a combination of his desire to help and his engineering background, and you have the development of several innovative, rebuilding tools, created by Onesti and used nationwide by piano remanufacturers today.
In conclusion, all instruments rebuilt or serviced by RALPH JOSEPH ONESTI PIANO RESTORATIONS, are, in their completion, the consummate result of one person’s commitment to provide the very finest restoration and service facility available.