Flow state pianos: Tuning & Repair

My approach to piano tuning and repair is different. A piano enables a flow state, a feeling of joy and peace and connection with yourself. I want you to experience these feelings with your piano.When you book in, we are working collaboratively towards a shared goal. You, me and your beautiful piano. If it is care, attention and passion you are looking for, then you have found the right tuner.

Lucy Barfoot - Professional piano tuner based in both Monmouthshire & West Dorset

More than an instrument

Playing the piano can transport you to a place of bliss. It has the ability to express what words cannot, and heal those who play and listen. When I work with you and your piano, I want to revive the beautiful harmony that you can achieve with proper attention and care. You tell me what you want your piano to sound and feel like, and we will work together to achieve this.

Is your piano how you want it to be?

You don't want to be frustrated by a sticky key, a buzzy sound, a click or a clunk. Distracted by those notes or octaves which seem louder or harsher than others. You want to be in flow. But instead you're working so hard to adapt your playing to the piano that you struggle to enjoy it.

My approach

As a passionate pianist myself, I am looking to transform your experience with your piano. I believe that refining or finding a piano which resonates with you as a player can completely revolutionise the way you feel and play. Even beginners and children can find a lot more flow and enjoyment in their playing by having responsive and finely tuned pianos.

Where I can help

I can restore your piano, fix the niggles and faults and create a touch, pitch, harmony and perfect responsivity when you play. You want the piano to be an extension of you, and find that unmatched feeling of pure feedback and depth when you play.

Tuning & servicing

When pianos are kept in tune regularly a standard tune will be suitable (every 6 months is recommended by the Piano Tuner's Association). For older pianos or those which have not been tuned in over 18 months, a longer session will be needed.
I will always review the condition of your piano when I come to tune and can make recommendations when we meet.

  • Regular tuning - £90

  • "It's been a while" piano tune - £120

  • Piano Examination & Report* - £60

  • Piano service & deep clean

  • Pitch raising

*I will always endeavour to tune your piano when I visit but there are occasions when the condition of a piano prevent tuning. For example, from damage, irreversible faults, or when extensive repairs are needed. If this happens, I will charge my examination fee and provide a detailed verbal report of the condition and suggest the course of action.

Piano repairs

I can carry out repairs the day I come to tune, however some repairs will require me to take away parts. I may also have to return for re-tuning on more than one occasion. I aim to turnaround all repair work within 2 weeks. Some repairs will leave you feeling like you have a new piano, completely changing your whole experience with playing.

  • Restringing

  • Repair/replacement of tuning pins

  • Fixing pedal faults

  • Sticky or mis-firing keys

  • Wobbly parts

  • Voicing & regulation

  • Restoration

Specialist offerings

Every pianist has their preferences, whether your connection to music is on a more spiritual level, or you have unique tastes and requirements for the sound, I completely understand your desire for perfection or natural imperfection. I do not believe we should follow set rules when it comes to music. Where the piano allows, we can work together to create these unique tunings.

  • Tuning to the frequency of nature 432Hz*

  • Adaptations to pitch for specific tonal requirements

  • Harpsichord tuning & repairs

  • *dependent on the piano make and age

Purchase a piano

I can offer assistance in finding your perfect piano. I try to hold my own stock of pianos, but I can also come shopping with you. You don't want to miss a fault or potentially spend thousands on a piano which won't last.

  • Consultation on where to position your piano in your home

  • "Piano personal shopper"

  • Assistance with auction purchases

  • Diagnostic service to avoid buying a "bad-egg"

About me

I have been playing piano for over 25 years and also have a background in science with a Physics degree from Exeter University. Sound, frequency and vibration aren't just poetic ideas, they're physical phenomena which are also understood through the lens of science.This meeting point between my scientific background and sensitivity to energy, music and flow means I have a unique approach to my work. Many of my ancestors were pianists and I truly sense this intuitive gift I have with the piano, not just as a musician but as a technician. It speaks to my soul, and I hope to collaborate with people who can appreciate this unique connection you can have with an instrument.I have worked with pianos for many years and also have formal training with a diploma in piano tuning and repair from the Piano Tuner Academy.

Lucy Barfoot
BSc in Physics from Exeter University
Diploma in Piano Tuning & Repair

Client Testimonials

"Our piano has had an annoying Bb for years & I've been told by other piano tuners that nothing can be done. A visit from Lucy & it now plays beautifully! Thank you"
- Nicky on Facebook
"She arrived promptly, was super friendly and got straight to work, even when my pups tried to distract her! In under a couple of hours, our piano once again sounded beautiful! I’ll definitely be booking Lucy in for all our tuning from now on."
- Hannah on Google

Pricing & location

My locations: I am based in Monmouthshire and West Dorset.
Areas I cover: Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire, Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, Monmouthshire, Newport, Caerphilly, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, Gwent, Cardiff

  • Standard tuning: £90

  • "It's been a while" tuning: £120

  • Piano Examination & Report: £60 (minimum call out fee)

  • All other services are quoted for on an individual basis

  • Discounts for multiple pianos

Contact me

Mobile: 07411 110635
Email: [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions & Terms of Business

Preparing for my visit

If you have booked in, please make sure there is clear access to your piano, the piano top is cleared and there is space in the room to safely place the casing I need to remove (ideally flat on the floor or a sofa).
When I tune I need a quiet environment, so if you have builders or a children's party I may not be able to work. Generally, it's best for me to be left alone during the tune (dogs too), this means I can concentrate fully and get the best results for your piano. You'll know when I am finished because I will start playing a song!

Information on tuning

Many factors can affect a piano's tuning including piano age, movement, changes in temperature and humidity and so it is not possible to guarantee the longevity of a tuning. When I work with you and your piano, we are a team so I will discuss any possible risks before carrying out a tune, as sometimes your piano can lose a string during the tune. This is more common in older pianos, those which have not been serviced or tuned in a long time, and where there are signs of rust. Any strings which go during a tune would incur additional costs to replace, hopefully we can avoid this, but it is always a risk taken when you choose to have your piano tuned.

Cancellation

I will send a reminder the day before your appointment. I require 24 hours notice for a cancellation of a tuning. Otherwise a fee of £30 will be charged for a missed or late cancellation*.
*If you have a genuine emergency, I will endeavour to rebook and not charge a cancellation fee at my discretion.

© Copyright Lucy Barfoot 2025

What happens when a piano cannot be tuned?

There are occasions when the condition of a piano prevent tuning. For example, from damage, irreversible faults, or when extensive repairs are needed. If this happens, I will charge my examination fee of £60 and provide a detailed verbal report of the condition and suggest the course of action. If a restoration or repair is chosen (and possible) then the fee of £60 is deductible.

Client Privacy & GDPR

Please let me know if you do not wish to have tuning reminders, as I will message you every 6/9/12 months (as you wish) to re-book a tuning. I take the privacy of my clients very seriously and will never share details of your piano (unless required to share with a piano technician or parts supplier). I understand that I am often going to be entering your home and so I want you to know that I operate with discretion and confidentiality. I will ask for permission if I take any videos or photographs. It does help me to share my work on my social media but only if you are happy with that. At any point you may request your data I have to be deleted.