Guitar Repair and Building, & Guitar Development and Production Skills Guide

Recommended High School Level Background Courses

• Algebra 1 and 2
• Geometry
• Study Skills
• Written and Oral Communications
• Industrial Arts
• Woodworking
• Personal Finance
• Computer Basics
• Computer Aided Design (CAD)
• Electronics
• Reading Comprehension
• English Composition

Basic Skills in the Program and on the Job

Technical Learning

High quality hand and power tool skills are required to repair and build guitars at a professional level. Understanding of the material and the functions of the components of a guitar is important to diagnosing and solving problems in repair work, as well as design and building.

Reading

Students in this program must learn the importance and meanings of various technical jargons. You must be able to relate the accompanying texts and follow a detailed sequence of instructions to complete drawing projects. Texts, which are an essential part of the coursework, are written at a college level. Supplemental readings include computer and CAD operating manuals, trade publications and customer specification forms.

Communication

Written and verbal communications are important in the Guitar program and on the job. Graduates typically work in small shops and sometimes move on to self-employment. The ability to communicate clearly with customers and co-workers about what is to be done on an instrument, costs timelines is crucial. Future development of skills and techniques can also be greatly enhanced by the ability to learn from written and oral presentations from other experienced luthiers.

Math  

Some basic Math, Geometry, and Algebra skills are useful in this field. Determining neck angles, desired changes in string, nut and saddle height, and neck bow are instances of our applications of math. In the 2nd year CAD course an understanding of basic geometry in necessary. In addition problem solving skills are crucial to success, and Math, Algebra, and Geometry can all help develop these skills.

Computer

Many excellent resources for information as well as self-promotion are now available online. In the 2nd year of the program we also have CAD and CNC courses that require a reasonable level of computer proficiency.