Musical Instrument Maker/ Repairer
What is the work like?
As a musical instrument maker or repairer you would adjust, repair, restore and make musical instruments.
You would usually specialise in one type of instrument, such as string instruments like violins and guitars, brass instruments like trumpets, or pianos. Your tasks would typically include:
- working with a variety of materials, including wood, metal, plastic and fibreglass
- using traditional hand tools for working with wood or metal
- using plastic, fibreglass and electronic parts for modern instruments like electric guitars
- building new instruments
- repairing or renovating damaged or worn instruments
- replacing damaged parts
- tuning instruments to make sure they produce high-quality sound
- using finishing techniques such as polishing and varnishing
You could specialise in restoring or producing period instruments.
If you were self-employed, you would also promote and sell your work and do tasks associated with running a business, such as dealing with your own tax and National Insurance.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
There are no set qualifications for becoming a musical instrument maker or repairer, but you would need the necessary skills. One way to develop these would be to complete qualifications (available at a limited number of colleges) including:
- ASET Certificate in Classical Musical Instrument Technology at levels 2 and 3
- BTEC HND in Musical Instrument Technology
- Foundation Degree and BA (Hons) in Musical Instruments at London Metropolitan University.
You should check entry requirements with colleges and universities – some may accept you without academic qualifications if you have relevant practical experience – for example, some people train after a career in a related area, such as joinery or cabinet making.
You could also develop skills by attending short courses on various aspects of musical instrument repair. Visit the National Association of Musical Instrument Repairers website for a list of courses.
For details of colleges providing courses in piano tuning and technology, check the Piano Tuners Association website. For violin making courses see, the 'Links' section of the British Violin Making Association website.
What further training and development can I do?
When you start work you may receive on-the-job training, working alongside experienced instrument makers or repairers.
You could develop your skills by attending some of the courses listed above on a part-time basis.
You could also attend short residential courses covering a wide range of instruments at West Dean College.
Where can I go for more information?
11 Kendal Avenue South
Sanderstead
Croydon
Surrey
CR2 0QR
London
W1C 1AA
Tel: 020 7629 4413
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Earnings can be from £15,000 to £20,000 a year.
- Established musical instrument makers and repairers can earn around £30,000.
Higher rates may be possible for those with very specialised skills.
As most musical instrument makers and repairers are self-employed earnings can vary widely.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would normally work 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. Some part-time opportunities may be available. If you were self-employed, you would choose your own working hours.
You would usually work in a small workshop, or from home if you are self-employed. As a piano tuner you would visit customers’ homes and other premises (usually within a local area) to service or repair instruments on site.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- excellent woodwork and metalwork skills
- a good appreciation of pitch and quality of sound
- the ability to trace and solve problems
- skill in working with your hands
- accuracy and precision
- knowledge of electronics if working on modern instruments like keyboards
- patience and good concentration
- business skills if self-employed.
What opportunities are there?
You would usually be self-employed, although you could also find opportunities with small specialist workshops which make, restore and repair high quality instruments. Some music shops employ a small number of repairers to work on the premises and advise customers on the purchase of instruments.
If you work for a larger manufacturer, you could have prospects for promotion to supervisor or manager level, or for moving into product development, buying or sales work. However, there are only a small number of companies of this type.
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