Musical Instrument Making and Repair

A career in guitar making is possible by studying Musical Instrument Making and Repair at NCAT. We offer the only qualification of its kind in Australia
The 22306VIC Certificate IV in Musical Instrument Making and Repair course covers both traditional and emerging digital technologies. Opportunities are available in the guitar industry, practicing repair or instrument set up, manufacture and design. Programs cover traditional woodcraft and manufacturing techniques
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About Musical Instrument Making and Repair at NCAT

There are opportunities in the guitar making industry in Victoria and with independent makers nationally. NCAT consults with industry and has established relationships with Maton Guitars, Cole Clark Guitars & many independent instrument makers. The college also has a relationship the Australian Music Association (the National Retailer’s Association).  


There are two levels of Instrument Making and Repair offered at NCAT: Certificate III & Certificate IV.

Certificate IV:

22564VIC Certificate IV in Musical Instrument Making and Repair

The Certificate IV students learn to make a bolt-on electric guitar and a dreadnaught style acoustic guitar. Upon successful completion of these instruments, students design and may construct a custom made instrument of their choice. The college will provide the materials to build your own custom built instrument. The hardware must be supplied by the student.
The course covers an introduction to the computer controlled cutting and milling machines and laser cutters. Students are instructed in the use and maintenance of hand and power tools necessary for construction and gain vital hands-on experience.

The program is delivered as a “hands on” model, with an emphasis on experiential learning.

Subjects
  • Instrument Construction
  • Repair & Setup
  • Design & Documentation
  • 3D Modelling Technology
  • Business Planning
  • Occupational Health & Safety

The Certificate IV program is delivered over four days a week by a team of highly experienced teaching staff. A variety of guest speakers present to students throughout the year on specialist topics. In recent years this has included professionals such as, Ian Noyce, Jack Spira, Ruben Becker, Jeremy Clingan, Benedict Stewart and David Searle. Tours to industry locations, including Maton Guitars Australia and Cole Clark Guitars are an integral part of the course. As a professional component of the program, students are given the opportunity to complete a five day work placement with one of our industry partners. This is organised by NCAT.
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth government funding.
 

Certificate III:

22563VIC Certificate III in Musical Instrument Making and Maintenance

The Certificate III program is an introductory course that is delivered as part of VET in Schools and is only available to secondary schools students. This is delivered one day a week (Wednesdays) over two years, incorporating a range of woodcraft skills necessary for building percussion instruments, ukuleles, slide guitars, as well as an introduction to basic woodwind repair.


If enrolled as a fulltime secondary students at NCAT the Certificate III can be integrated with the VCE or VCAL syllabus.

You Tube video link

Guitar Makers at work

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFRAn-CPRiU

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