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musical instrument maker repairer
Musical instrument makers/repairers build, renovate or repair musical instruments. Depending on the type of work, they might use traditional materials such as wood and metal, or modern materials including plastic and fibreglass. They might also fit electronic units such as guitar pickups or other amplification aids.
Most musical instrument makers/repairers specialise in one family of instrument: violin or guitar; early stringed instruments; early keyboard instruments; brass or woodwind instruments; organ or piano tuning.
Piano tuners adjust piano strings to the correct pitch using a tuning fork and tuning hammer.
Hours and Environment
Musical instrument makers/repairers normally work a 40-hour week, Monday to Friday. Some part-time opportunities may be available. Many are freelance and can choose their working hours.
Most instrument makers work in small workshops, or work from home if self-employed. Piano tuners and organ builders visit customers’ homes and other premises, usually within a local area, to service or repair instruments on site.
Skills and Interests
As an instrument maker/repairer, you should:
- have excellent woodwork and metalwork skills
- have knowledge of basic electronics
- have the knowledge and experience to trace and solve problems
- be prepared to continually learn new techniques
- have manual dexterity
- be patient and thorough, and able to pay attention to detail
- have a good appreciation of pitch and quality of sound
- have good communication skills.
Entry
Entry into this profession is possible without academic qualifications. However, it is an advantage to have GCSEs/S grades in relevant subjects such as woodwork, metalwork and technical drawing, and professional training is necessary to gain the skills involved in making and repairing musical instruments. Courses (available at a limited number of colleges) include:
- ASET Certificate in Classical Musical Instrument Technology at Levels 2 and 3 - formal academic qualifications may not be required but experience of woodwork/metalwork and the ability to play a relevant musical instrument are desirable
- SQA HNCs/HNDs in Instrument Technology
- Foundation Degree in Musical Instruments at London Metroploitan University, two years full-time, three years part-time - entry with GCSE (A-C)/S grade (1-3) in maths and one A level or the equivalent
- BA (Hons) in Music Technology (Musical Instruments) at London Metropolitan University, three years full-time, four years part-time - entry with GCSE (A-C)/S grade (1-3) in maths and two A levels or the equivalent. Applicants must also demonstrate a keen interest in music and musical instruments.
Colleges may relax formal entry requirements for mature students, on the strength of their relevant practical experience in a craft occupation. Some people train after a career in a related area, such as joinery or cabinet making.
Please check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements.
Short courses on various aspects of musical instrument repair are also available at some institutions. The National Association of Musical Instrument Repairers list some of these on their website. See the Further Information section of this profile for contact details.
The Piano Tuners Association website has details of colleges providing courses in piano tuning and technology. The British Violin Making Association has a list of courses on the 'Links' section of their website. See Further Information.
Training
Some employers may offer training on the job, with new entrants working alongside experienced instrument makers/repairers.
Self-employed makers/repairers may develop their skills by attending some of the courses listed in Entry on a part-time basis.
West Dean College in Chichester offer the following residential courses in the Making of Early Stringed Musical Instruments:
- Graduate Diploma – requires two A levels/3 Highers and five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) including English and maths or an art and design foundation course or relevant professional experience
- Postgraduate Diploma (validated by the University of Sussex) - requires BA (Hons) in Musical Instrument Technology or the West Dean Graduate Diploma
- Professional Development Diploma - requires the West Dean Postgraduate Diploma or appropriate experience and an externally-funded research proposal.
West Dean College also offers short courses covering a wide range of instruments.
Opportunities
Opportunities to work as an instrument maker/repairer are generally good, and there may be some opportunities to work overseas.
Many instrument makers/repairers and piano tuners are self-employed. Small specialist workshops which make, restore and repair high quality instruments offer some opportunities for employment. Some music shops employ a small number of repairers to work on the premises and advise customers on the purchase of instruments.
Other opportunities exist with a limited number of large-scale manufacturers, where there may be prospects for promotion to supervisor/manager level, to product development, or in buying or sales work.
Annual Income
The annual income section is intended as a guideline only.
Full-time makers/repairers can earn from £15,000 to £20,000.
Established instrument makers/repairers can earn in the region of £30,000.
Higher rates may be possible for those with very specialised skills.
Further information
11 Kendal Avenue South
Sanderstead
Croydon
Surrey
CR2 0QR
London
W1C 1AA
Tel: 020 7629 4413
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The information contained in our Career Profiles Database was correct at time of publishing, but since publication certain details may have changed so please use this section as a research tool and in some cases further research may be required.
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