- Location
- Anniesland Campus
- SCQF Level
- 6
- Start Date
- 28 Aug 2023
- Qualification Type
- NQ
- Course Type
- Full-Time
- Duration
- 1 Year (August to June)
Applications open January 2024
This unique and stimulating course is the only one of its type available in Scotland. The programme will equip you with a wide range of specialist skills in the field of Stringed Instrument Construction and Repair. A team of practicing luthiers in a friendly, well-equipped workshop deliver the course content.
This course will offer you a wide range of specialist skills for employment and self-employment in the field of Musical Instrument Technology. The flexible course content provides articulation to other related higher-level studies in the field of Stringed Instrument Construction.
What will I learn?
You will make one instrument, either a classical guitar, steel string guitar or violin using a college plan. You will study acoustic science and material science in addition to the practical work of instrument construction.
Assessment is continuous, with a mix of practical and theoretical assessments from the following range of subjects;
- Woodworking hand skills
- Woodworking machinery
- Manufacture of jigs and templates
- Instrument inlay and sound hole cutting techniques
- Introduction to acoustics
- Manufacture instrument body components
- Material science for stringed instruments
- Design project
- Assembling the components of an instrument body
- Finishing
- Manufacture of neck
Hear from student Wiktoria as she shares her story about her love for fine woodwork and instrument making.
Entry requirements (minimum)
This is our entry level course, so no formal qualifications are required.
You should demonstrate a passion for music, musical instruments and in particular; acoustic stringed instruments such as guitars.
Timber construction and familiarity with hand-tools and some woodworking machinery skills are desirable, but these skills will be remediated early in the course, so are not essential.
Entry requirement equivalency table
If you do not meet the entry criteria for your chosen course, you may be offered an alternative course in the same subject area.
Employer and industry links
We have links with individual makers and repairers, instrument retailers, importers and distributers and museums and educational institutions.
Jobs and further study
On successful completion of the course, you can progress to HND Musical Instrument Making and Repair.
Past students have found employment as instrument repair people, instrument makers, instrument technicians, teachers, woodworking technicians and other careers where high quality woodworking skills are relevant.
Making an application
For courses starting in August, you can make up to two applications.
Applications are made to a course and a first choice of campus. If the course is oversubscribed at your first choice you will be automatically considered for alternative sites and may be made an offer without a further application.
I've applied — what happens next?
When you apply, you will receive an automated email confirming that we have received your application (remember to check your SPAM/junk folder if you do not hear from us). You will then be contacted as per the following stages;
- Brief information session with delivery team on campus
- Interview within the workshop
- Once an offer is received, you must reply within 14 days or risk losing your place
- Once you have accepted your offer, you will be sent further information regarding, student funding, joining instructions and induction date.