Instrument Repair / Technician

Instrument repair technicians specialize in maintaining musical instruments and making any repairs needed to bring an instrument back into proper playing condition. Because the work is dictated by whatever state the instrument is in, the types of knowledge needed for any given repair job can vary greatly. Knowledge of metal working, woodworking, chemistry, engineering design, heavy workshop equipment, instrument making, and physics are just some of areas of study that expert repair technicians use regularly.

Due to the wide range of knowledge and hands-on experience required for this work, the most common way to enter this field is through an apprenticeship under a master repair technician. Those who love a good challenge, problem solving, and hands-on work can find instrument repair a fulfilling career path where you learn something new everyday.

Some repair technicians will choose to specialize in maintenance on a specific instrument or instrument family, while others will service a wide range of instruments in their shop. Those who specialize are frequently also skilled performers of the instrument they work on, and they use their playing expertise to ensure that their work results in an excellent performance experience.

Established repair technicians often work regular business hours and make their primary income from repair work that comes through the shop. Many will use their time out of the repair shop to take on additional performance gigs or work on a side career like instrument making.