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Musical Instrument Maker/Repairer

Musical instrument makers and repairers design, construct, restore and mend musical instruments

 

Tasks & duties

Musical instrument makers and repairers usually specialise in an instrument area. They may do some or all of the following:

  • interpret and make drawings of instruments
  • select the materials for the instrument
  • cut, soak, carve and shape the wooden parts if making wooden guitars and string instruments
  • glue and screw the parts together if making woodwind instruments and guitars
  • paint, varnish, oil, lacquer or plate the instrument
  • make parts for brass instruments, flutes and other instruments
  • weld or solder brass instruments and flutes
  • replace or repair faulty parts
  • tune or change the instrument settings for customers
  • value and/or custom-make instruments for clients
  • fix electronic components for electric instruments

 

Skills & knowledge

Musical instrument makers and repairers need to have:

  • knowledge of musical instrument design and repair
  • knowledge of acoustics
  • the ability to make and interpret drawings
  • electronics, welding, soldering, carpentry and metalwork skills
  • the ability to tune and adjust instruments
  • knowledge of the historical background of instrument
  • musical ability
  • good research skills
  • problem-solving skills
  • good people skills and the ability to listen to and interpret clients' needs

 

Entry requirements

Good hearing (with or without hearing aids) and a knowledge of music and sound is usually required to enter this job.

 

Secondary education

There are no specific secondary education requirements to become a musical instrument maker and repairer, although some training in music, metalwork, woodwork or technical drawing is recommended. A basic knowledge of chemistry, maths and art is also useful.

 

Tertiary education

Most of the top instrument makers train overseas as there is no tertiary training available in New Zealand. Graduates with a diploma from an accredited international instrument making school then train under the supervision of an experienced musical instrument maker/repairer.

 

Useful experience

Useful experience for musical instrument makers and repairers includes:

  • woodwork
  • metalwork
  • welding
  • work as a musician
  • work in a music store

 

For more information, please refer to Career Services.

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