Musical Instrument Builder

Musical instrument builders not only build musical instruments, but also restore, repair, alter or adjust them, by using special techniques such as wood carving, silver smithing and cabinet making. They make and design instruments and their parts.

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Musical instrument builders make and assemble instrument parts, tune instruments, attach strings and install electrical wiring for instruments. They also tell their clients about the instrument and its acoustic properties.

Musical instrument builders need to know exactly what people are looking for. Most musical instrument builders specialise in one instrument, but some specialise in various instruments, usually from the same group, eg. electronic, wind, string or brass.

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Personal Requirements

• work meticulously
• very accurate and precise
• mathematical ability and mechanical aptitude
• diligent and patient
• good hand and finger dexterity
• practical
• love music and musical instruments

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How to Enter

Schooling & School Subjects

Compulsory Subjects: Art or a related subjects is highly recommended
Recommended subjects: Art, Design Studies, Engineering and Graphic Design

Additional: 

• An art portfolio is required to demonstrate your creativity, abilities and commitment.
• If you intend studying towards a degree in Fine Art at university, you will need to a Bachelor's pass in matric. If you intend studying a diploma in an art-related field, then you will need a Diploma pass in matric.
• Meet the admission requirements (APS) set by the university or requirements set by the college.

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What to Study

TVET colleges offering a certificate in carpentry, e.g. Umgungundlovu.

Experienced musical instrument builders may provide in-service training

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Employment

• instrument or music stores or factories
• self-employment, with enough experience and capital, can start own business or work on freelance basis, for example as a piano tuner

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Getting Started

• arrange to speak to musical instrument makers and watch them at work
• consult the Registrar of Manpower Training concerning relevant learnership programmes available in your area

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