The Fundamentals of Woodwind Making and Repair programme has been designed for students who wish to pursue a career in woodwind instrument repair.
This one-year, full-cost, course provides students with the opportunity to develop the underpinning skills and knowledge to progress.
You will be introduced to the basic elements of woodwind instrument repair and explore the skills, techniques and working practices required to diagnose faults.
Coursework is 'hands-on'; however, you will also gain an understanding of the theories associated with wind instrument construction.
No prior experience is required. The workshops are supervised by experienced tutors to enable you to learn how to control risks and develop safe working practices.
Enrichment activities such as visiting speakers and museum visits supplement the course.
Typical Topics
Basic Techniques - you will be introduced to a range of practical traditional repair techniques, tools and materials associated with the craft. Focus will be on the full restoration of instruments including clarinets, flutes, oboes and saxophones.
Workshop Practice - you will be introduced to the processes of making tools used for tasks in woodwind making and repair. The module develops control of manual techniques and the use of machine operations to manufacture bespoke hand tools. Simple key making will also be studied.
Historical and Contextual Studies - you will examine key figures involved in the development of traditional woodwind instruments, exploring how advancements in technology and shifts in social and political perspectives have influenced the evolution of the craft.
Anatomy and Design of Musical Instruments - provides underpinning knowledge of the design and anatomical construction of woodwind instruments, including the materials used.
Making Specialist Tools – supplementing the Workshop Practice module, you will have the opportunity to make a set of more complex specialist tools relevant to woodwind instrument making and repair. As part of this, you will receive training in all aspects of manufacturing processes such as interpreting technical drawings, using hand and machine tools, and the use of precision measuring instruments.
Applications to this course are made directly to the College.
Our courses are designed as a progressive pathway, with flexible entry points for different experience levels. Completing the full sequence within a discipline provides complete training from beginner to industry-ready standard.
Applicants must be assessed via an interview that includes a practical skills test to ensure sufficient competency within the relevant fields of craftsmanship.
This diagnostic assessment is part of the admissions process and aims to identify attributes or skills in the learner that suggest appropriate pathways of study, or to identify learning difficulties that require support and resolution.
This form of assessment is carried out at the initial interview stage when applicants’ portfolios are examined to assess the appropriate skills and basic understanding required for their choice of programme.
Please note, the courses are for adults 18+.
Typical Topics
Basic Techniques - you will be introduced to a range of practical traditional repair techniques, tools and materials associated with the craft. Focus will be on the full restoration of instruments including clarinets, flutes, oboes and saxophones.
Workshop Practice - you will be introduced to the processes of making tools used for tasks in woodwind making and repair. The module develops control of manual techniques and the use of machine operations to manufacture bespoke hand tools. Simple key making will also be studied.
Historical and Contextual Studies - you will examine key figures involved in the development of traditional woodwind instruments, exploring how advancements in technology and shifts in social and political perspectives have influenced the evolution of the craft.
Anatomy and Design of Musical Instruments - provides underpinning knowledge of the design and anatomical construction of woodwind instruments, including the materials used.
Making Specialist Tools – supplementing the Workshop Practice module, you will have the opportunity to make a set of more complex specialist tools relevant to woodwind instrument making and repair. As part of this, you will receive training in all aspects of manufacturing processes such as interpreting technical drawings, using hand and machine tools, and the use of precision measuring instruments.
There are no formal examinations for this course. Assessment is continuous and based on practical skills in making and repair, evaluated through tutor observation. In addition, a summative assessment will be completed through a portfolio of tasks completed throughout the academic year.
Students who successfully complete the course may progress to the Intermediate Woodwind Making and Repair course or pursue work in the industry.
This is a full cost course, £4,000.
Details will be given at interview.
Attend one of our Open Days to find out more about our courses. To register please click here.
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.
