About | School of Musical Instrument Crafts

50 Years of Crafts

Musical Instrument Crafts has been taught at Newark College since 1972. With a global reputation and excellent connections with industry, our students can pursue the craft they love whilst gaining high-quality practical skills from practicing professionals.

The Musical Instrument Crafts department features four separate pathways: Guitar, Piano, Violin, and Woodwind.

Bringing Considerable Skills and Experience

Students have the opportunity to learn the basics with our one-year Foundation programmes or develop their existing skills with our three-year BA (Hons) Musical Instrument Craft courses.

Our tutors bring considerable skills and experience as well as their understanding of current business practice and techniques, making our courses highly valued to students.

Students work in specialist workshops and have the opportunity to make some of their own specialist tools as part of the course. Each year students aim to create a portfolio that can evidence their practical work.

At the end of the course, students can present their work at an exhibition and concert where their instruments can be played by guest musicians.

Take a look at our quick video below:

See our courses

Our Long History of Learning, Making and Listening

Visitors in the past have included the internationally renowned musicians John Williams, John Etheridge, Clive Carroll, Paul Gregory, Steve Hicks, Mark Ashford and Pierre Bensusan.

Interested in learning more? Get in touch to speak with our friendly tutors or visit us for an Open Day to see the facilities in person.

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Why Study With Us?

There are many reasons our students choose to study with us, whether it is continuing from further education or coming back to study after a career change.

We’ve designed our degrees to focus on preparing graduates for employment in their chosen sector or industry by supporting the development of both academic knowledge and vocational skills.

Our classes are smaller which means our students can receive more one-to-one time with their tutors, as well as engaging debates and collaborative working with fellow students.

With our condensed timetables, students may choose to work while studying, look after family or enjoy a better study-life balance.

Our university-level students graduate in an annual ceremony held in and around the grounds of the historic Lincoln Cathedral.

Don't just take our word for it... Have a read over on our Alumni page to hear what some of our past students have to say about studying at Newark.

Career Degree Bursary

The Career Degree bursary was established in order to enhance our Higher Education students’ academic programme and support their studies - helping to make our students more employable, industry prepared and equipped for life as a graduate.

The Career Degree bursary is made up of two components:

1. A bursary of up to £500 for full-time students and up to £250 for part-time students over the course of their higher education programme to support any aspect of independent study, such as equipment, books etc.

2. In addition, course coordinators will be allocated an additional payment to spend each academic year on enhancements that will support the development of employability skills and progression to graduate level employment. Students are encouraged to discuss ideas on how this can be spent with their tutors.

The Graebner Crisford Prize

A cash prize of £1,000 will be offered to one outstanding student in each pathway on the Musical Instrument Crafts degree each year, beginning summer 2022.

The prize is from a generous donation from The ACH Crisford Charitable Foundation who set up the scheme to support our learners and recognise the unique nature of these courses. The award will be judged by staff.

Newark College are grateful to the Trust for this new collaboration and hope our learners will benefit hugely from this.

About Newark

Newark-on-Trent is a thriving market town, and with great road and rail links, you can travel to the cities of Nottingham and Lincoln in around 30 minutes.

Newark has an interesting history dating back to 1068 when Newark Castle was built. Parts of the castle still remain following its demolition by Oliver Cromwell and the castle grounds provide a pleasant public space.

Today the town offers a full range of facilities, affordable housing and a traditional community atmosphere. The town has a vibrant market four days a week and is host to a growing number of events that celebrate music including jazz and folk festivals.

Learn more about Newark with our helpful Guide to Living in Newark brochure, here.

Or take a look at this walking tour of Newark town centre:

Accommodation

Private rented flats and houses are available for students aged over 18. Students will have to sign a rental agreement (a legal document) with a landlord usually through a letting agent. Newark College cannot arrange private accommodation on a student's behalf.

Prices for rented accommodation start from around £60 per week, depending on facilities.

For help finding privately-rented accommodation please contact our International Office or learn more about accommodations available in our Guide to Living in Newark brochure, here.

Lincoln College University Centre

The School of Musical Instrument Crafts degree programmes at Newark College, validated by the University of Hull, are part of our Lincoln College University Centre / Lincoln College Group.

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