Rare masterful skills awarded

Edith Cowan University (ECU) PhD candidate, Paul Laurence Tunzi AM, is the recipient of a 2023 Order of Australia for his significant service to music as a pianoforte technician, and to the professional associations he has served.

This week Paul was officially presented with the award by the Governor of Western Australia, His Excellency the Honourable Chris Dawson AC APM, at an official investiture ceremony at Government House.

Paul Tunzi AM is presented with the Order of Australia by the Governor of Western Australia, His Excellency the Honourable Chris Dawson AC APM.

Paul has a close association with Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) at Edith Cowan University, where he has served as the Piano Technician since 1996.

In recent years, Paul has been a key research contributor to the Founding Piano's project and has been completing his PhD under the supervision of Professor Geoffrey Lancaster.

Paul’s Masters research on Australia's first piano was funded by the Vice-Chancellor’s First Fleet Piano Scholarship, and subsequently upgraded to PhD (soon to be completed).

Paul is also a key member of WAAPA’s recently launched Centre for Keyboard Heritage and Performance Research, which brings together researchers interested in studying ECU’s unique collections of historic keyboard instruments.

Paul is the current President of the Australasian Piano Tuners and Technicians Association, WA Branch. As a Piano Technician for 40 years, he has contributed to the community professionally as an Artistic Director, contributor and a volunteer, for various projects and organisations, including the Keys in the City, the Founding Pianos Project and the Royal Schools Music Club.

Paul's awards and recognition also include a Churchill Fellowship in 2017.

With a unique combination of musical skill and technical knowledge, a piano tuner─technician plays a key role in maintaining one of the most popular of instruments in our community.

Paul has over 40 years of professional experience and along with his tuning work, has committed himself to passing on knowledge and skills to younger generations. It is expected that there will be a loss of experienced concert tuners and technicians in coming years.

On receiving the Order of Australia Paul said:

"Preparing keyboard instruments for the world’s finest musicians has always been a pleasure. However, I receive the most sense of achievement by mentoring and journeying with students learning their craft. I want to ensure that the next generation of artisans can be as equipped as I was."

"I am profoundly humbled to be recognised for doing what I love doing. It's a privilege to serve the creative arts that can bring so much joy and purpose to the community.

He also took the opportunity to express his thanks to his wife for her constant encouraging support and inspiration, and to his mentors and the music institutions of Perth that afford him the privilege of working with the most passionate, creative people.