Musical Instrument Repairer
A Musical Instrument Repairer, also known as a musical instrument technician, specializes in the repair and maintenance of various musical instruments, ranging from pianos and guitars to brass and woodwind instruments. These professionals restore both old and damaged instruments and conduct routine maintenance for newer models. Their work involves assessing issues, performing repairs such as fixing stuck valves or replacing broken strings, and conducting final tuning to ensure optimal performance. While many repairers work in schools, music stores, or dedicated repair shops, others may be self-employed, often operating from home.
Musical instrument repairers typically possess strong mechanical skills, attention to detail, and a passion for music. They often engage directly with customers, requiring good interpersonal skills to discuss repair needs and estimates. Many individuals in this field have undergone training through apprenticeships, vocational programs, or related postsecondary education. Although the outlook for employment in this sector suggests a decline, those with specialized skills and knowledge may find opportunities in various settings, including manufacturing environments. Overall, a career in musical instrument repair combines craftsmanship with a deep appreciation for music.
Musical Instrument Repairer
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Manufacturing
Interests: Music, musical instruments, repair, mechanical skills, customer service
Earnings (Yearly Median): $46,250, $22.24 hourly
Employment & Outlook: -2% or lower (Decline)
Overview
Sphere of Work. Musical instrument repairers, sometimes called musical instrument technicians, give new life to old or damaged instruments and repair newer instruments. They typically specialize in one or more families of instruments (such as woodwinds), in a particular class of instruments (such as fretted strings), or in one instrument (such as piano). In addition to repairing dents, loose necks, and many other common problems, they tune instruments, change strings, replace worn parts, oil valves, modify instruments, and handle all other aspects of instrument repair.
Work Environment. Musical instrument repairers work in a variety of locations. Some are employed by schools and colleges, repair shops, and large music stores, while others work in manufacturing settings. Many repairers are self-employed and work out of their homes. Due to the size and immobility of the instruments, piano and organ repairers and tuners usually work onsite in churches, schools, private residences, and other locations. Repairers interact primarily with their customers, in person or via phone or email, and those working in repair shops or similar settings may work as part of a repair team.
Occupation Interest. Individuals attracted to a career in musical instrument repair enjoy music and usually have at least a minimal proficiency in one or more instruments. They are mechanically inclined and enjoy solving problems requiring creative and analytical thinking skills. They should have excellent hearing and intonation, manual dexterity, and the ability to attend to details. Musical instrument repairers also need good people skills to maintain customer relationships.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Musical instrument repairers work on acoustic, electric, and electronic instruments. Each type of instrument requires special training and knowledge, and most repairers specialize in one or two instruments or in one or two instrument families.
Most jobs begin with an instrument assessment, usually done in consultation with the owner. Sometimes, the problem is obvious, while at other times, repairers must make an educated guess as to the source of a buzz or hum. They then estimate the cost and time involved in the repair.
The specific repairs vary based on the type or family of the instrument. For instance, technicians who repair brass instruments typically fix stuck valves, dysfunctional tuning slides, and broken finger guides, while woodwind instrument repairers typically regulate keys and replace mouthpieces, neck corks, and pads. Common repairs on orchestral string instruments include replacing bridges, regluing loose necks, and repositioning soundposts. Percussion repairs include replacing drumheads and snares and straightening bent rods. Piano repairers and tuners adjust the tensions of strings, replace broken pins, hammers, and pinblocks, and cover chipped keys. Guitar technicians replace broken nuts, strings, and tuners, adjust bridges, and replace pick-ups or switches on electric guitars. Musical instrument repairers may also encounter more complex issues, sometimes even needing to disassemble an instrument and rebuild it completely.
In addition to making repairs, musical instrument technicians may also clean and oil individual parts, varnish, or lacquer instruments. After instruments are reassembled and tuned, repairers test them by playing scales or tunes.
Self-employed technicians also have many responsibilities related to the management of their business, including bookkeeping, ordering supplies and parts, and advertising. Some instrument repairers also make and sell handcrafted instruments.
Violin Repairers (730.281-050). Violin repairers adjust and repair bowed instruments such as violins, violas, and cellos using hand tools.
Wind Instrument Repairers (730.281-054). Wind instrument repairers clean, adjust, and repair brass, wind, and woodwind instruments.
Piano Tuners (730.361-010). Piano tuners adjust piano strings so they will be in proper pitch. They may tune pianos in both public and private establishments, and they make the initial adjustments in the factory.
Pipe-Organ Tuners and Repairers (730.361-014). Pipe-organ tuners and repairers tune and repair organs that make music by forcing air through flue pipes or reed pipes.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Musical instrument repairers work in various settings, including large shops, home offices, and schools. Most repairers are at risk for minor injuries resulting from various hand and machine tools. Using goggles, ear protection, and respirators or proper ventilation is essential.
Plant Environment. Musical instrument repairers who work in manufacturing settings may be exposed to harmful noise, toxic fumes, and other potential hazards. Some factories provide soundproof rooms for their repairers.
Human Environment. Musical instrument repairers tend to work independently, without much supervision; some repairers work in teams. Unless self-employed, they usually report to a supervisor, store manager, or director of a music department, and they may train assistants after acquiring more experience. As repairs can be expensive and stressful for musicians, repairers must be able to communicate with professionalism and tact.
Technological Environment. Most instrument repairers use electronic tuners, precision measuring tools, and some common shop tools, including knives, chisels, torches, lathes, grinders, and drill presses. In addition, they use specialty tools made specifically for their family or type of instruments. For example, piano repairers use tuning wrenches, sockets, and mutes; string repairers use soundpost setters and gauges; and woodwind repairers use feeler gauges and leak testers. Other tools and equipment are used as well, and most repairers also use computers and standard office equipment.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. A high school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED) is required for most positions. As many employers also require some postsecondary training, students should take a college preparatory program or a vocational program with an academic track. Students should take classes in English, geometry, algebra, computer science, electronics, music, industrial arts, and technical drawing. Students should also familiarize themselves with as many instruments as possible or specialize in violin, piano, guitar, or another instrument or family of instruments.
Postsecondary. Music instrument repairers traditionally learned their skills through apprenticeships; however, many employers expect technicians to have received some postsecondary training and, in some cases, a college degree. A wide variety of educational opportunities are available, including short-term workshops and continuing education classes offered by instrument manufacturers and repair guilds, associate’s degree programs offered in colleges and trade schools, and courses taught at specialty music schools. Students do not necessarily have to achieve musical proficiency in the instruments they repair, although they should be able to play scales and be familiar with the mechanics of each instrument. However, some employers might expect greater skill. Self-employed repairers may benefit from some business or related courses.
Related Occupations
− Electronic Equipment Repairer
Bibliography
"49-9063.00—Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners." O-Net OnLine, 6 Aug. 2024, www.onetonline.org/link/summary/49-9063.00. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.
"Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023; 49-9063 Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners." Occupational Employment Statistics. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Department of Labor, 3 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes499063.htm. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.