Musical Instrument Repair
Overview
Musical instrument repair programs prepare people to build, repair, and maintain musical instruments.Musical instrument repair programs prepare people to clean, tune, and repair all types of instruments. Students learn to instruct customers in tuning and caring for instruments.
Musical instrument repair programs include topics such as:
- Methods and equipment for making musical instruments
- Electronic instrument amplification systems
- Techniques of cleaning
- Methods of tuning musical instruments
Apprenticeship
Students interested in learning this craft may want to complete an apprenticeship. They learn by working with a master technician. They start as a helper and gradually learn more complex tasks and techniques.
Schools
Very few community colleges and technical schools offer certificate and associate degree programs in musical instrument repair. A certificate program usually takes a year of full-time study. An associate degree program at a community college usually takes two years of full-time study to complete.
Specialized schools offer programs in piano tuning and repair.
Very few colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degrees in musical instrument repair. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Keyboard Instruments
- Music, General
- Precision Crafting and Repair
- Stringed Instruments
- Woodwinds, Brass, and Percussion Music Performance
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program of study by getting your high school diploma or GED.
It is very helpful for you to be able to play the instruments that you plan to work on.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Band
- Introduction to Business
- Metal and Wood Technology
- Orchestra
- Woodworking
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
Courses vary, depending on the type of musical instrument you study. A program in piano technology that goes beyond tuning typically includes courses such as the following:
- Action Renovation, Retrofitting, and Replacement
- Appraisals and Estimates
- Pin Block Replacement
- Refinishing
- Regulating
- Restringing
- Soundboard Repairs/Replacement
- Tuning Methods
- Tuning Theory
A program in band instrument repair typically includes subjects such as the following:
- Acoustical Aspects of Wind Instruments
- Appraisals and Estimates
- Assembling Brasswinds
- Assembling Woodwinds
- Chemical Cleaning of Band Instruments
- Dent Removal
- Music Theory
- Polishing and Refinishing
- Repairing and Honing Valves
- Shop Safety
- Soldering and Brazing Techniques
An apprenticeship in stringed instrument repair typically includes subjects such as the following:
- Appraisals and Estimates
- Bridge, Nut, and Tailpiece Repairs/Replacement
- Refinishing
- Restringing
- Soundboard Repairs
- Tuning Methods
- Tuning Peg and Gear Repairs/Replacement
As an apprentice, you do about 2,000 hours of work per year as part of your supervised, on-the-job training.
Things to Know
To work as a piano technician, you may want to be certified by the Piano Technicians Guild.
In most apprenticeships you need to purchase your tools.
If you plan to open your own business, classes in small business administration can be helpful.
Schools
King-Snohomish Area
Renton Technical College
- Band Instrument Repair Technology