Pathway Programs
Instrument Repair & Craftsmanship
The ancient art of lutherie meets modern repair science. Learn to maintain, restore, and build instruments from master craftspeople who serve the finest orchestras worldwide.
Program Overview
The Craft of Sound
This specialized program bridges the gap between performance and the physical instruments that make music possible. Whether you are a musician who wants to understand your instrument deeply, or an aspiring luthier seeking professional training, this track provides hands-on instruction in repair, maintenance, setup, and restoration. Students work under master craftspeople who maintain instruments for professional orchestras and soloists worldwide.
String Instrument Repair
Comprehensive training in violin, viola, cello, and bass repair including crack repair, re-graduation, bridge fitting, and sound post adjustment.
Woodwind & Brass Service
Master key work, pad replacement, valve alignment, and bore cleaning techniques used by professional technicians worldwide.
Historical Restoration
Learn ethical conservation practices for antique and historically significant instruments, including varnish matching and period-appropriate techniques.
Curriculum
Your Craft Path
Instrument Anatomy & Materials
Wood science, metallurgy, string physics, and acoustic principles that form the foundation of all repair work.
Basic Repair & Maintenance
String changes, bridge adjustment, cleaning, minor crack repair, and pad replacement techniques for everyday service.
Setup & Optimization
Action adjustment, intonation, sound post setting, and bow rehairing fundamentals to maximize instrument performance.
Advanced Structural Repair
Major crack repair, neck resets, re-graduation, and top replacement for instruments requiring significant restoration.
Restoration & Conservation
Historical instrument preservation, varnish matching, and ethical restoration practices for priceless instruments.
Workshop Management
Tool sharpening, workspace design, client relations, pricing, and business fundamentals for independent practice.
Specializations
Choose Your Family
Bowed Strings
Violin, viola, cello, and bass repair and setup. Learn the nuances of each instrument in the bowed string family.
Plucked Strings
Guitar, harp, and lute family maintenance and building. From fret work to soundboard repair and construction.
Woodwinds
Key work, pad replacement, bore cleaning, and cork fitting. Precision mechanical service for flutes, clarinets, oboes, and more.
Brass
Valve alignment, slide repair, lacquer work, and dent removal. Service techniques for trumpets, horns, trombones, and tubas.
Master Craftspeople
Learn from Masters
Master Luthier
String Instrument Specialist
Decades of experience maintaining and restoring instruments for leading soloists and orchestras around the world.
Woodwind Technician
Woodwind & Brass Specialist
Expert in mechanical key work and precision fitting, trained in the European tradition of wind instrument service.
Conservation Expert
Historical Restoration Lead
Specializes in the ethical conservation of antique instruments, working with museums and private collections globally.
Program Formats
How to Study
Apprenticeship Track
12-month intensive with daily workshop sessions. Build a portfolio of restored instruments under direct mentorship from master craftspeople.
Weekend Workshops
Focused 2-day intensives on specific repair techniques. Perfect for working musicians and technicians seeking targeted skill development.
Online Foundations
Theory, diagnostics, and planning coursework completed online. Hands-on work is done independently with instructor guidance and feedback.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Pathway Programs
Get Started
Apply to the Program
Submit your interest and our admissions team will reach out with next steps and program details.