I was wondering if a piano tuner and a piano technician are just two different names for a person who performs the same function. If not, what is the difference?
It’s a very good question and many individuals have some confusion about this. Actually, a piano tuner and a piano technician serve different functions. A piano tuner generally provides the service of tuning a piano. A piano technician will service the mechanics of the instrument, including but not necessarily limited to servicing the action parts of a piano.
There are piano tuners who perform only the service of tuning your piano. On the flip side, there are piano technicians who will service the mechanics of your piano but do not tune.
That said, many professionals serve both functions. You will often see “piano tuner/technician” or “piano tuner & technician” posted on any advertisements of their services, including their business cards, to make this clear. Questioning the person who is about to service your piano is always a good idea.