How to become a musical instrument maker and repairer
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- a specialised training course
University
You could do a specialist musical instrument craft degree at university.
You'd learn traditional skills and knowledge to specialise in building and repairing instruments like the guitar, violin, piano or woodwind.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
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College
You could do a college course like a Level 3 Diploma in Music Technology. This would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
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Apprenticeship
There is an organ builder higher apprenticeship if you want to specialise in building and repairing pipe organs.
This typically takes 36 months to complete as a mix of workplace learning and off-the-job study.
On successful completion you can apply for membership of the Institute of British Organ Building (IBO).
You may find other craft skills apprenticeships like leatherwork or carpentry may also give you some of the skills needed for instrument repair.
Other Routes
To learn the specialist craft skills you'll need you could take a short training course related to the type of instrument you want to make. Courses are offered by professional bodies for particular instruments and some university music departments.
Entry requirements will depend on the type of course you want to do.
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Career tips
Craft skills are often more important than qualifications to get into this career. A background in woodworking or music technology may help.
You may also find it useful if you can play a musical instrument.
Further information
You can find details about training courses through The National Association of Musical Instrument Repairers.
You can get more information on working in crafts and creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.