Musical instrument technician

Musical instrument technicians design and make musical instruments. Most technicians also carry out repairs, maintenance and restoration work. It is usual for technicians to specialise in particular instruments, such as strings or fretted instruments, keyboards or woodwind.

Work activities

Musical instrument technicians design, make, repair, maintain and restore musical instruments. As the work is highly skilled, it is usual to concentrate on a particular type or group of instruments. Typical specialisms include keyboards, strings or fretted instruments, woodwind, brass, percussion or electronic instruments.

Some technicians specialise still further by concentrating on reproducing and restoring period instruments. The work varies according to the particular instrument being made. In order to make a new instrument, the technician designs an instrument according to a customer’s requirements. They use their drawings and plans to help them cut, shape and put together materials such as metal, wood and plastic. Other tasks include:

• Advising clients on the care and handling of an instrument.
• Finding faults in instruments.
• Replacing or repairing damaged parts.
• Tuning the instrument.

Musical instrument technicians usually work in a workshop. They use a variety of hand and machine tools and measuring devices. Some technicians sell the instruments that they make.

Personal qualities and skills

For this job, you’ll need:

• An ear for tuning and an appreciation of music.
• To be an accurate worker with a good eye for detail.
• Practical skills. A background in subjects such as woodwork, metalwork and electronics is very useful.
• Strong powers of concentration.
• To be patient, because some work can be difficult and can take a long time to finish.
• Business skills will be useful, if you become a self-employed technician.

Pay and opportunities

Pay rates for musical instrument technicians vary widely depending on the branch of the industry they are involved in, whether they are employed or self-employed, and the reputation of their product.

Musical instrument technicians usually work a basic 37-40-hour week, Monday to Friday. Working hours for self-employed technicians may be irregular, depending on how much work they have. Late finishes and weekend work may be required from time to time, especially as deadlines approach. For self-employed musical instrument technicians, success largely depends on the technician’s reputation.

Employers are manufacturers and repairers of musical instruments. However, many of these are small craft enterprises employing one or two people. Opportunities for musical instrument technicians occur in workshops in towns and cities throughout the UK.

Self-employment opportunities occur for experienced musical instrument technicians to work independently as self-employed craftworkers, working from home or from studios or workshops.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised on all the major job boards, and on the Government’s Find a Job and Find an Apprenticeship services.

Entry routes and training

There are no set entry routes into this career. Craft skills are often more important than academic study. However, a degree in musical instrument craft may be available through some colleges. You can specialise in guitars, violins, pianos or woodwind. Courses related to music, or working with wood may also be useful for entry.

In some cases, it may be possible to train with an employer and learn on-the-job. Many entrants to this career train by attending a full-time specialist college course usually lasting two or three years. Course instructors are usually professional instrument makers and repairers. Courses cover topics including music theory, acoustics, instrument design, technical drawing, instrument history and restoration.

If you are interested in organs, you could undertake a level 3 (advanced) apprenticeship in the role of organ builder.

The National Association of Musical Instrument Repairers (NAMIR) website has a list of course providers. Edexcel (BTEC) offers level 3 National Certificates and National Diplomas in Music Technology. Both Edexcel courses cover elements related to music instrument technology.

Progression can sometimes be to supervisory or managerial positions. Many people in this career become self-employed.

Qualifications

Entry requirements for relevant courses vary widely, depending on the type of course you choose. Check college and university prospectuses for details. A keen interest in music along with craft skills may be requested for entry to courses and employment.

A few colleges and universities offer courses in instrument craft making. You might also be interested in courses that cover musical instrument technology.

To begin an organ builder advanced apprenticeship, you’ll need GCSEs in English and maths, although you may be able to complete these alongside your programme.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

This is often an attractive career for people with craft experience and an interest in music. The ability to play a wide range of musical instruments is usually required. A practical background using your hands, e.g.in restoration or historical conservation work, is useful.

Colleges will usually consider applications from candidates who do not meet their usual entry requirements. You should check the admissions policy of individual colleges. Relevant short courses are available via part-time study.

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