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Musical Instrument Repairer/Tuner

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AVG. SALARY

$39,830

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EDUCATION

Post-secondary training +

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JOB OUTLOOK

Stable

What They Do

Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners Career Video

Insider Info

Musical instrument repairers can be grouped into four main categories:

  • Band instrument repairers
  • Piano and organ repairers
  • Violin repairers
  • Guitar repairers

They can specialize in specific instruments or instrument families or be generalists.

Musical instrument repairers could also be called musical instrument technicians or band instrument repair technicians. Whatever the name, they basically do the same thing -- fix damaged or faulty musical instruments and get them to perform at their peak.

There are several kinds of band instruments that could be brought to a repair shop. They range from wind instruments like trombones, saxophones and trumpets to string instruments like violins and guitars to percussion instruments like drums and xylophones.

Repairers could find themselves working on an old piano or pipe organ one day and a modern electronic organ the next.

Not all musical instrument repairers are trained in dealing with electronic musical instruments. But if you have that ability, it will serve you well.

The work of the musical instrument repairer begins with a diagnosis of the problem or problems with the instrument. This normally involves asking the owner or client questions to find out exactly what's wrong with the instrument. Repairers may also test the instrument themselves or take it apart to examine it.

Once the problem is identified, the technician has to decide on the best way to fix it. This could range from simply tuning the instrument properly (a guitar, for example) to replacing parts and components.

You do need to be able to play the instrument in order to repair it. You must be mechanically inclined. Hand-eye coordination and good hearing are also essential.

Although physical strength isn't required, good health and physical stamina are great things to have. You need to be ready to work long hours alone at your bench and be able to handle chemicals and other abrasives.

You also need people skills to market your services, to do public speaking and to network with musicians.

Just the Facts

Want a quick overview of what this career is about?Check out Just the Facts for simple lists of characteristics.

At a Glance

Fine-tune musical instruments and restore them to performance levels

  • Many repairers are self-employed
  • You can specialize in specific instruments
  • Many technicians go through formal training while others learn by apprenticeship