Musical Instrument Maker/Repairer

What is the work like?

Musical instrument makers/repairers build, repair or renovate musical instruments. It is usual to specialise in one instrument family such as string, brass, percussion, keyboard or woodwind instruments or individual instruments like the guitar or violin.

Instrument makers/repairers use specialist tools and equipment for cutting, bending, shaping and jointing instruments and polishing wood and metal surfaces.

Different materials and techniques are used according to the type and age of instruments.

• Lathes, planes and other traditional tools are used when working with wood or metal.
• Fibreglass, plastic and electronic components are used on more modern instruments such as electric guitars and electronic keyboards.

Instrument makers/repairers may also fit electronic units such as guitar pickups or other amplification aids. Some may specialise in restoring antique instruments.

Typical tasks can include:

• building a new musical instrument, which requires great accuracy and precision as any minute variation in shape can make a big difference to the sound of the finished instrument
• repairing or renovating damaged and worn instruments - for instance, repairing cracks in a violin, removing dents from a French horn or replacing damaged instrument parts
• tuning and adjusting instruments to ensure the sound is of the highest quality
• applying finishes, such as varnishes, and polishing instruments.

As many instrument makers/repairers run their own business, they would also be responsible for maintaining financial accounts, marketing and possibly appointing and training staff.

Hours and environment

Musical instrument makers/repairers usually work 9.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday. Some work in workshops attached to instrument retail shops, so may be required to work on Saturdays. However, many instrument makers/repairers are self-employed or work for small businesses, so hours often vary according to the number of orders and client deadlines. Part-time work may be available.

They usually work in small workshops or factories. The work can sometimes be quite intricate, requiring lots of concentration. Large instruments, such as pianos are often repaired and serviced in customers' homes or other venues such as church or concert halls.

Adhesives, polishes, varnishes and other materials are used. These need to be stored safely and correctly. Sawdust or metal filings in the working environment may mean this job is not suitable for people with certain allergies or asthma.

Salary and other benefits

There are no set salary scales for musical instrument makers/repairers. These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and where people live.

• The usual starting salary for a musical instrument maker/repairer may be up to £15,000 a year.
• Experienced instrument makers/repairers may earn around £20,000 a year.
• With a well-established reputation in repair and restoration work, they may earn up to £30,000 or more a year.

Many instrument makers/repairers are self-employed, earning set or negotiated fees per job.

Skills and personal qualities

A musical instrument maker/repairer needs:

• a good knowledge of traditional and modern musical instruments
• excellent practical woodwork and metalwork skills
• to enjoy working with their hands
• a good ear for pitch and quality of sound
• problem-solving ability
• accuracy and precision
• to understand music and be able to have a good relationship with musicians
• patience and good concentration
• good communication and interpersonal skills
• knowledge of electronics if working on modern instruments such as keyboards
• business skills if self-employed.

Interests

It is important to:

• be genuinely interested in music and sound quality
• enjoy detailed and intricate work.

Getting in

Musical instrument makers/repairers work throughout the UK. There tends to be greater opportunities in highly populated areas. Violin making and repair especially is very much regarded as an international profession, with training and work opportunities available globally.

The majority of musical instrument makers/repairers are self-employed. However, some opportunities may exist with specialist workshops that make, restore and repair high-quality instruments. Some may work in or be attached to a musical instrument retail shop, often combining repairing instruments with advising customers. There can be strong competition for what is a relatively small number of jobs.

Job vacancies may be advertised in local and national newspapers, specialist journals or by word of mouth.

Entry routes

There are no set academic entry requirements, although full training is essential. Practical ability and an interest in the work are essential and some musical talents can help. One route to develop these skills would involve undertaking a relevant course or qualification such as:

• Levels 2 and 3 EDI Certificate in classical musical instrument technology
• Level 5 BTEC Edexcel Higher National Diploma in musical instrument technology.

London Metropolitan University, for example, offers a:

• Two-year, full-time foundation degree in musical instruments. Entry requirements are usually one A level or equivalent.
• BA/BSc Hons degree in musical instruments, three years full time and four years part time. The course is also available as a four-year extended degree, the first year of which is the foundation year in art, media and design. Entry requirements are usually two A levels. Applicants should also have a keen interest in musical instruments and music.

Those without the usual academic qualifications can take an Access course.

There are also short courses on various aspects of musical instrument making and repair. The National Association of Musical Instrument Repairers (NAMIR) website lists colleges currently offering part-time, full-time and evening courses.

Those wishing to specialise in piano tuning and technology should visit the Piano Tuners' Association website. Violin making courses are listed on the British Violin Making Association website.

Training

Entrants usually learn the craft by working alongside experienced musical instrument makers/repairers. Those that take a qualification prior to entry will acquire many of these practical skills, along with the theory, practical assessment and examinations. However, it is possible to combine working with studying for the qualifications listed above on a part-time basis.

Short residential courses are also offered by West Dean College, covering a wide range of musical instruments.

The Institute of Musical Instrument Technology runs a membership scheme, open to student and qualified instrument makers/repairers. They maintain a register of professional people, hold educational meetings and produce a members' newsletter.

The British Violin Making Association and NAMIR run similar membership schemes and provide members' forums to share good practice and practical advice.

Getting on

Promotional prospects are greater if working for larger instrument manufacturers, where repairers and instrument makers may be able to progress to supervisor and manager levels. However, many of these companies are now based entirely overseas. In smaller establishments, opportunities for promotion are also limited. Some may move into product buying or a more sales-oriented role.

Self-employment can be a route for skilled musical instrument makers/repairers. Taking this step usually requires specialist skills and having an established reputation across a wide business network. Some may work for international clients or find work overseas.

Further information

British Violin Making Association (BVMA). Website: www.bvma.org.uk

The Crafts Council, 44a Pentonville Road, Islington, London N1 9BY. 020 7806 2500. Website: www.craftscouncil.org.uk

Creative & Cultural Skills, Lafone House, The Leathermarket, Weston Street, London SE1 3HN. 020 7015 1800. Websites: www.ccskills.org.uk and www.creative-choices.co.uk

Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM), 10 Stratford Place, London W1C 1AA. 020 7629 4413. Website: www.ism.org

Institute of Musical Instrument Technology (IMIT), Northfield House, 11 Kendal Avenue South, Sanderstead, Croydon, Surrey CR2 0QR. Website: www.imit.org.uk

National Association of Musical Instrument Repairers (NAMIR). 01328 821192. Website: www.namir.org.uk

Piano Tuners' Association. Website: www.pianotuner.org.uk

Further reading

A Career with Music...? - ISM

Magazines/journals

BVMA Newsletter - BVMA

Journal of the Institute of Musical Instrument Technology - IMIT

The Strad

(Some may be priced)

May 2009

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