Designed for those who wish to work in the piano industry as a tuner and/or technician, the BA (Hons) Musical Instrument Craft (Piano Tuning and Restoration) is the only programme of its kind in the UK. The course aims to prepare learners with the skills needed to join the piano trade.
The Newark Piano School at Newark College is situated in a specialist building close to the main College campus, giving easy access to College facilities and the town centre.
The School’s modern, well-appointed facilities boast 16 individual tuning rooms containing more than fifty pianos - which are used exclusively for piano tuning practice.
The dedicated workshops are fitted with tailored workbenches and storage facilities and are fully health and safety and COSHH compliant. Large stocks of trade specific tools, materials and parts are available along with numerous and varied types of upright and grand pianos. Together, this ensures that students have the opportunity to gain a wealth of practical experience of all aspects of piano tuning, restoration and repair.
Learners can also benefit from the School’s strong links with industry - a regular feature of which is visiting speakers from trade organisations and suppliers.
Graduating students could progress to a range of job opportunities either in employment by piano firms and shops or on a self-employed basis. The Steinway Company, amongst others, have recruited directly from Newark Piano School.
To speak with a current student online via our unibuddy platform, please visit our Unibuddy page.
Full-time students should apply directly through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). It may be possible to study on a part-time basis, consult with the College at the time of your application.
Anatomy and Design
Basic Techniques
Workshop Practice
Making Specialist Tools 1
Historical and Contextual Studies
Core Modules:
Applied Acoustics
Problem Solving
Making Specialist Tools 2
Optional Modules:
Maintenance
Restoration
Overhaul
Tuning
Case Finishing
Business Practice
Advanced Craft Techniques
Professional Standards Test
Final Major Project Preparation
Final Major Project Realisation
A minimum of 48 UCAS Tariff points from the following: GCE A and AS Levels with at least one subject at A Level. BTEC National (Diploma or Extended Diploma) in a relevant subject. Scottish Higher / Advanced Higher with at least one subject at Advanced Higher. We consider experience and practical skills in lieu of A Levels/BTECs.
Plus: GCSE English – grade C/4 or above and GCSE Maths – grade C/4 or above (Level 2 Functional skills is not taken as an equivalent).
EU and International applicants: NARIC confirmed equivalent of 48 UCAS points IELTS with an overall score of 6.0 and a minimum of 5.5 in each component. Equivalent English language qualifications may be acceptable for applicants requiring a visa.
Other Entry Requirements
Successful interview
The assessment methods typically used throughout the programme include: assessment of practical work supported by a portfolio of notes and research.
Following completion of this programme students may wish to pursue further academic study in music or seek employment or self-employment in the industry. Students can be introduced to these opportunities throughout their undergraduate programme.
Full-Time Per Academic Year Home Students - £8,500
Full-Time Per Academic Year International Students - £9,500
Tuition fees will remain unchanged for the duration of a student’s continuous enrolment. Additional compulsory course costs can be paid for using the 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.
There is no cash alternative. Students who wish to access opportunities in excess of the Career Degree Bursary may do so at full cost to themselves. Please see the full ‘HE Terms and Conditions’ for details of additional library and printing costs associated with this programme.
A cash prize of £1,000 will be offered to one outstanding graduating student in each pathway on the Musical Instrument Crafts degree.
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.
Chris Walden | Graduate of Piano Tuning and Restoration, 2020
"Having played the piano since an early age, I was always interested in the mechanics of the instrument. After a lengthy career in retail management, I decided that it was the right time to change careers and do something that I am so enthusiastic about.
The thing I enjoyed most about the course was the amount of tuning practice we were given and direct access to a tutor to gain feedback the same day.
My advice to anyone thinking about studying on the course would be absolutely go for it! My three years at Newark will be regarded as the best three years of my life, I would go back and do it all again in a heartbeat.
The course is fantastic as are the staff and the other students. The Piano School is based in the old police station on the edge of the main college campus, this has been transformed into a truly remarkable, purpose-built piano school. It is equipped with some 16 tuning booths, three large workshops, a spraying and woodworking room, classroom, and common room with kitchen.
My last bit of advice – spend every minute you can in those tuning booths and tune tune tune! Three years go so quick and before you know it, you will have finished the course and ready to start applying to piano companies for employment.
Newark is a wonderful place to live and study, it is surrounded by beautiful countryside, and it is full of pubs too! Perfect for unwinding after a busy day at college. I feel very privileged to have been given the opportunity to study at Newark. If you are reading this and are thinking about applying for the course, go for it! I wish you the same success and happiness that I experienced."
Read more alumni profiles on our Alumni page, here.
This course is validated by the University of Hull. The validating institution is responsible for awarding the qualification at the end of the programme. Students on validated courses are OfS registered, funded and taught at Lincoln College and it is the responsibility of the College to manage all aspects of this provision. The validating institution maintains an oversight of the programme throughout the academic year and must be satisfied that students are being taught in line with the required academic standards of the awarding institution.
For full details and information of the responsibilities and conditions of study of both Lincoln College and the validating partners please see the T&Cs and Policies sections which can be found here.
Attend one of our Career Degree Open Days to find out more about our degrees. To register please click here.
The School of Musical Instrument Crafts degree programmes, part of Lincoln College University Centre.
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.