Musical instrument maker and repairer
Musical instrument makers and repairers construct new musical instruments and fix ones that have been damaged.
Also known as: Musical instrument technician
- Typical hours37 to 40 a week
What you'll do
As an instrument maker or repairer, you would:
- build new instruments
- repair or renovate damaged or worn instruments
- restore or reproduce period instruments
- use traditional hand tools and materials
- fit plastic, fibreglass and electronic parts to instruments like electric guitars
- apply finishing techniques such as polishing and varnishing
- tune instruments
Working environment
You could work from home, at a client's home, in a workshop or at a client's business.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- the ability to work well with your hands
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to repair and test the performance of instruments
- persistence and determination
- customer service skills
- the ability to use your initiative
- problem-solving skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
How to become a musical instrument maker and repairer
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- applying directly
- a specialised training course
University
You could do a specialist musical instrument craft degree or foundation degree at university. Some universities also offer short courses in instrument making and repair.
You would learn traditional skills and knowledge to specialise in building and repairing instruments like guitar, violin, piano or woodwind.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
College
Some colleges and adult education centres run short courses in instrument repair, for example for guitars or violins.
Check with your local education centre to see what they offer.
The British Violin Making Association has details of courses around the country for that particular instrument.
Entry requirements
There are no set entry requirements for this route.
Direct application
You could approach instrument repairers directly to see if they're willing to take you on as a trainee. Craft skills like carpentry would be useful alongside enthusiasm for the profession and a keenness to learn.
Other routes
You could take a training course with a specialist provider related to the type of instrument you want to make. Courses are also offered by professional bodies for particular instruments, for example:
- British Violin Making Association
- Piano Tuners' Association
Entry requirements will depend on the type of course you want to do.
Career path and progression
If you work for an instrument making and repair business, you may be able to become a workshop supervisor or manager.
You could also move into product development, buying, sales or training, or specialise in the restoration of antique instruments.
Career tips
Craft skills are often more important than qualifications to get into this career. A background in woodworking or model making may help.
You might also find it useful if you can play the musical instrument you want to learn how to make or repair.
Professional and industry bodies
You could join the National Association of Musical Instrument Repairers for professional development and to make contacts in the profession.
Guides for this industry
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