Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners

Career summary

Musical instrument repairers and tuners usually specialize in one type of instrument.

• Keyboard repairers work on pianos and pipe organs
• Stringed instrument repairers work on violins, cellos, and guitars
• Reed and wind repairers work on clarinets, saxophones, oboes, other reed instruments, flutes, trumpets, French horns, and other brass instruments
• Percussion instrument repairers work on drums, cymbals, and xylophones
• Electronic keyboard repairers work on digital pianos, synthesizers, electronic organs, and public address and guitar amplifying equipment

Details of the job differ depending on the type of instrument. All musical instrument repairers and tuners share some tasks. Repairers first examine the instrument and check its parts. They may take the instrument apart to repair or clean it. They repair or replace broken or worn parts and put the instrument back together. Repairers sometimes carve replacement parts such as wedges or plugs. Musical instrument repairers also repair cracks, dents, and breaks in wood and metal instruments and drums. Finally, they clean and polish instruments.

Musical instrument repairers perform many tasks specific to the instruments they work on.

Piano repairers adjust the alignment and string spacing on pianos. They also adjust felt hammers to increase the mellow sound of the piano. Pipe organ repairers adjust lips, reeds, and other parts of pipes to regulate the airflow and loudness. They also assemble new organs in churches and auditoriums. A large organ might take weeks or even months to finish.

String instrument repairers may assemble new instruments. They adjust trusses and bridges to obtain proper string tension and height. They may also refinish instruments with varnish to protect the wood.

Percussion instrument repairers replace drumheads on drums. They remove the drumhead by removing tension rods with a drum key. They cut a new drumhead from plastic, place it over the rim hoop, and replace the rim on the drum. Percussion instrument repairers also solder or weld the frames of mallet instruments and metal drum parts. They may also clean, sand, and paint various parts.

Musical instrument repairers use a large variety of tools, depending on their instrument. They may use:

• Clamps
• Cutting tools
• Filing tools
• Knives
• Mallets
• Soldering irons
• Torches
• Woodworking machines
• Wrenches

Most repairers also tune instruments. They use tuning tools ranging from tuning forks to electronic tuners. Methods vary depending on the instrument. Piano tuners increase or decrease string tension with a tuning hammer. Tuners of stringed instruments adjust string tension by hand. Pipe-organ tuners move metal slides on pipes to change the pipes' speaking length. Wind instrument tuners file metal reeds until they reach the proper pitch.

Related careers

This career is part of the Manufacturing cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Bicycle Repairers
• Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers
• Coin and Vending Machine Repairers
• Glass Blowers
• Jewelers
• Locksmiths
• Museum Technicians and Conservators
• Potters
• Small Engine Mechanics
• Watch Repairers

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to musical instrument repairers and tuners.

• Inspect and test a variety of musical instruments and parts. Play instruments to evaluate their sound quality.
• Disassemble and reassemble instruments and parts to repair, clean, or tune them.
• Repair or replace broken or worn parts, pads, springs, or bars.
• Make or carve wood replacement parts, such as wedges or plugs, for pianos or stringed instruments.
• Repair cracks, dents, or breaks in the bodies of instruments.
• Clean and polish instruments. Wash metal instruments in solutions to remove lacquer and tarnish.
• Compare pitch with tuning device and adjust string tension to tune instruments. File metal reed to tune reed or wind instruments.
• Use a variety of tools, depending on the instrument worked on. Use hand and power tools, cutting and filing tools, woodworking machines, and tuning devices.
• Assemble new instruments according to specifications.
• Adjust alignment, string spacing, and hammers of piano.
• Adjust lips, reeds, and other parts of organ pipes to regulate airflow and loudness.
• Attach strings to instruments and adjust truss and bridge. May also refinish stringed instruments.
• Remove and replace drumhead of drum.
• Solder or weld frame of mallet instruments and metal drum parts.
• Clean, sand, and paint parts of percussion instruments, following specifications.

Common work activities

Musical instrument repairers and tuners perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Get information needed to do the job
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Perform for or work with the public
• Handle and move objects
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Control machines and processes
• Think creatively
• Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Schedule work and activities
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Perform administrative tasks
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Monitor and control resources
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Convince others to buy goods or change their minds or actions
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Teach others
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, musical instrument repairers and tuners:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium level of social contact. They talk to customers to learn what is wrong with their instrument, but work alone most of the time.
• Communicate with others by telephone, e-mail, and in person.
• May work as part of a team, especially if working in a retail environment.

Physical work conditions

• Nearly always work indoors.
• Are sometimes exposed to contaminants.
• Are occasionally exposed to hazardous equipment.
• Sometimes must hear loud sounds and distracting noise levels, such as when operating power tools or tuning instruments.
• May on rare occasions wear protective attire such as gloves and eyewear. This is more likely when using toxic solutions to clean instruments.

Work performance

• Must be very exact in their work and be sure all details are done. Lack of attention while using tools could damage instruments.
• Repeat the same physical and mental activities.
• Make most of their decisions and set daily tasks and goals independently.
• Must meet strict weekly deadlines.

Hours/travel

• Usually work a standard 40-hour week. Schedules are typically fairly regular.
• May spend hours each day driving to appointments, especially piano and organ repairers.

Physical demands

Musical instrument repairers and tuners frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Sit for long periods of time.

It is important for musical instrument repairers and tuners to be able to:

• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for musical instrument repairers and tuners to be able to:

• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.

Skills and abilities

Musical instrument repairers and tuners need to:

Communicate

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand spoken information.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Read and understand work-related materials.

Reason and problem solve

• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Manage the time of self and others.
• Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with people

• Look for ways to help people.
• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.

Work with things

• Repair machines or systems.
• Determine the causes of technical problems and find solutions for them.
• Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.
• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Maintain equipment on a routine basis. Determine when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
• Determine the tools and equipment needed to do a job.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Apprenticeship Programs
• Musical Instrument Repair

Other programs of study to consider

• Electrical and Electronics Equipment Installation and Repair
• Music, General
• Precision Crafting and Repair

Training

To work as a musical instrument repairer and tuner, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete an apprenticeship program.

Education after high school

Most repairers and tuners learn their skills through apprenticeship training programs. Union and non-union apprenticeship programs are available. Admission to apprenticeship programs is competitive. To apply for an apprenticeship, you must:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• be at least 18 years old; and
• be in good physical condition.

Apprenticeship programs usually consist of four years of on-the-job training. You are paid for the time you spend on the job. In addition, each year you receive at least 144 hours of classroom training.

To learn about specific apprenticeship opportunities in your area, consult the US Department of Labor State Apprenticeship Information  website.

You can prepare for an apprenticeship by taking courses at a professional-technical or two-year school. 

Some musical instrument repairers complete formal training programs. Some professional-technical schools and two-year colleges offer programs in this area. After completing a two-year program, you earn a certificate. You can also earn a certificate through a correspondence course. Organ repairers may need a certificate in electronics. Some instrument repairers have a bachelor's degree, though not always in instrument repair.

Most, if not all, instrument repairers know how to play the instruments they repair. For some instruments, this is necessary.

On-the-job training

Instrument repairers learn additional skills on the job. You work with an experienced repairer and tuner and begin as a helper. You work on more complex tasks as you gain experience. Training includes instruction in:

• using equipment and tools;
• making repairs; and
• tuning instruments.

Training may last from two to five years.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum  may be different from your state's graduation requirements .

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Band
• Orchestra or Strings

Many musical instrument repairers and tuners are self-employed. If you want to run your own business some day, you should consider taking these courses as well:

• Accounting
• Entrepreneurship
• Introduction to Business

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups  that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers prefer to hire musical instrument repairers and tuners who have formal training in instrument repair. Employers who hire inexperienced workers as trainees look for people with knowledge of music. They also look for applicants with good hearing and mechanical ability. For those who deal with customers, a neat appearance and helpful manner are important.

Costs to workers

Workers must supply their own tools, except for larger tools. Costs vary depending on the number of different instruments being repaired or tuned. Some may join a professional association and pay a membership application fee and annual dues.

#Deleted $ amount we listed since no way to verify possible tool costs, 3/8/07, CJ.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

#In Washington, the average entry-level wage for musical instrument repairers and tuners is $12.55 per hour ($2,175 per month).

#Updated ES wage info 07.16 sd

Wages vary in different areas of the country and are usually higher in urban areas.

Full-time musical instrument repairers and tuners who are not self-employed may receive benefits. Common benefits include paid vacation, sick leave, and health insurance. Those who are self-employed must provide their own insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

About 14% of musical instrument repairers and tuners are self-employed.

Major employers:

• Music stores
• Instrument repair shops

National outlook

Demand for this occupation is declining. Most job openings will result from repairers and tuners retiring from the occupation. Because this occupation is very small, the number of openings will be very low compared to most occupations. However, training opportunities are difficult to locate. Therefore, job opportunities should be very good for those who receive training.

Other resources

American Musical Instrument Society 

Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans 

Guild of American Luthiers 
8222 South Park Avenue
Tacoma, WA 98408
253.472.7853

International Clarinet Association 

International Society of Bassists 
14070 Proton Road
Suite 100
Dallas, Texas 75244

International Trumpet Guild 

Musical Instrument Makers Forum 

National Association of Professional Band Instrument Repair Technicians 
PO Box 51
2026 Eagle Road
Normal, IL 61761
309.452.4257

National Flute Association 
70 East Lake Street, #200
Chicago, IL 60601

Percussive Arts Society 
110 W. Washington Street Suite A
ndianapolis, IN 46204

Piano Technicians Guild 
4444 Forest Avenue
Kansas City, Kansas 66106

The Violin Society of America 

References

Career cluster

• Manufacturing

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners (49-9063.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Accordion Repairer (730.281-014) 
• Accordion Tuner (730.381-010) 
• Bow Rehairer (730.684-022) 
• Chip Tuner (730.684-026) 
• Fretted-instrument Repairer (730.281-026) 
• Harp Regulator (730.381-026) 
• Metal-reed Tuner (730.381-034) 
• Organ-pipe Voicer (730.381-038) 
• Percussion-instrument Repairer (730.381-042) 
• Piano Regulator-inspector (730.681-010) 
• Piano Technician (730.281-038) 
• Piano Tuner (730.361-010) 
• Pipe-organ Tuner and Repairer (730.361-014) 
• Tone Regulator (730.684-094) 
• Tuner, Percussion (730.381-058) 
• Violin Repairer (730.281-050) 
• Wind-instrument Repairer (730.281-054) 

Holland occupational clusters

• Realistic/Artistic/Conventional
• Realistic/Artistic/Investigative

COPSystem

• Technology Skilled