Type Of Business:
Piano tuning company
Marketing Area:
Local; Regional
Major Product/SVS:
Piano tuning
Hobbies/Sports:
Golf; Singing; Painting
Education Degrees:
Coursework in Piano Technology, New England Conservatory, Boston, MA (1980); College Coursework in Art
Affiliations Awards:
Former Two-Year President, Key West Branch, Toastmasters International; Water Aerobics Teacher, Local Hotel
Work History:
Advertising and Sales, KONK Life Newspaper/Radio; Advertising, Marketing and Sales (1998-2006); Solares Hill Newspaper; Island News; Key West Citizen
Throughout the duration of your career, what was the one highlight that stood out the most?:
The highlight of her career was the opportunity to tune for Jerry Herman, famous composer of Broadway musicals, who owned a series of homes in Key West, Florida. He retained her as a piano tuner for four years during his stay in the Keys. In 2009, he performed at Tennessee Williams Fine Arts Theatre with Leslie Ughams singing with him. After the performance he met with the audience; his first look at Ms. Gorham was magical for her. He said, "I know who you are, but I am very old now and cannot remember your name". The sparkle in his eye will never be forgotten.
Charity:
Volunteer, Tropic Cinema
Number Of Years In Profession:
31
Number Of Years In Current Position:
31
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
She attributes her success to her remaining responsible to her commitments, networking, people skills, and the pianists that appreciate her tuning skills.
Why did you become involved in your profession or industry?:
She became involved in her profession because after becoming aware that she had a keen ear pitch for pitch and desiring a career where she could utilize her skills. It was imperative to find a vocation connected to theatre arts and she discovered piano technology through a career center in Boulder, Colorado University's library. Being a single mother of young child, she had to find school/training that did not require 4-year college and an affordable tuition. She applied for arts grants in Boston, Ma., receiving enough to pay rent and expenses for the year-long program at New England Conservatory of Music-Boston, Ma.
Extended Bio Profile:
Ms. Gorham passed the two-day exam issued by the Piano Technicians Guild, Inc. She scored the second highest in her class. She recently performed with Tropic Cinema in a musical tribute to the Academy Awards, entitled "You Win Some, You Lose Some." She is trained in opera and was a section leader in St. Paul's Episcopal Choir for 17 years. She was also a lifeguard for a local pool for three years, and has recently begun teaching water aerobics. During her tenure as an advertising sales manager for the Celebrate! newspaper in Key West, she became well known in her community.
Position Responsibilities and Duties:
Working with primarily private residents in the Key West area; Tuning pianos for theaters, concert series, and the Key West Symphony Orchestra
Education Certifications:
Management, Marketing and Advertising Training, Thompson Publishing Company (1999)
Awards/Honors:
Unsung Hero Award, Key West Film Society (2003)
Where Will You Be In 5 Years:
In five years, Ms. Gorham intends to engage in a variety of studio singing. She is embarking on a new career path in music and will be performing at a local cabaret. It is evident that she will maintain her piano tuning work in the Florida Keys and has no intention of retiring any time soon.