Crescendo Learning!
Instructor mentored hands-on piano classes
Online video courses with coaching
Who is
Crescendo Learning!
Mike Ello has been a Registered Piano Technician since 1983. He started his family operated piano service business Ello Piano Service and has been professionally tuning and repairing pianos since 1981. In 2019, Mike published the first edition of his book, Master Guide to Piano Finish Touch Up. After publishing his book, Mike has been recognized as a highly skilled finish touch up expert on piano finish repair and teaches two day hands on classes twice a year. Mike regularly teaches piano service related classes at regional and international Piano Technicians Guild conventions. Mike has recently founded Crescendo Learning, with piano related in person and online courses with his touch up class being the flagship course.
Current Course
Polyester & Lacquer Finish Touch Up Academy
Fri. & Sat., November 7 & 8, 2025
Schedule: 8:00 am to 5:30 pm daily
Instructor: Mike Ello, RPT
Location: Ello Piano Service Piano Shop
6502 Dutch John Cir
Richmond, TX 77469
Tuition: $950 for PTG Member
$1,150 for Non-Member
Come spend two full days learning the secrets of how to perform professional repair and touch-up to damaged polyester or lacquer-finished pianos. Day One focuses on polyester-finished pianos and Day Two covers lacquer-finished pianos. Upon completion of the course, this specialized skill will offer the potential for more income in your business. Mike Ello, Registered Piano Technician, has been a professional piano technician since 1981, with years of experience touching up lacquer and polyester finishes on pianos. The class includes the updated version of Mike Ello’s book, Master Guide to Piano Finish Touch Up. All materials and tools required to perform touch-up skills are provided for your use during the training. Lunch and snacks are provided on both days. Transport between the nearby La Quinta Inn & Suites and classes at Ello Piano Service Shop is also provided. La Quinta Inn & Suites offers a free breakfast. The course is limited to 8 students.
Master Guide to Piano Finish Touch Up Updated Edition
- Now includes ultraviolet-cured polyester finish repair methods and techniques
- Is the ultimate reference guide for repair and touch-up of lacquer and polyester finish pianos
- Your personal copy is included in the price of the Polyester & Lacquer Finish Academy
- Includes step by step instruction with photographs
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham
139 Crab River Road
Richmond, TX 77469
346-702-3302
Course Registration
Comprehensive Courses
Increase Your Income
Personal Coaching
Tailored Training
Empowering You To Master Valuable Piano Skills
- Piano tuning
- Grand action regulation
- Vertical action regulation
- Tuning stability
- Smoke damage remediation
- Piano refinishing
- Grand piano restringing
- Piano tone voicing
- Key bushing replacement
- Piano finish repair and touch-up
