Discover the multitude of ways to master musical instrument repair. I am frequently asked about my journey in repair, where to learn, and what to study. You can find a brief overview of my experience on the technicians page. Today, I am excited to introduce you to an online training academy we are proudly affiliated with.
In 2020, Lisa's Clarinet Shop ventured into offering online repair classes. By 2021, I joined the team to enhance our online instruction. We have since developed a robust curriculum tailored for aspiring repair technicians.
Our courses range from the Band Director's Emergency Repair Course to comprehensive instrument courses at various levels, covering essential skills such as assembly, disassembly, pad leveling, cork replacements, and more.
So, what do you want to learn?
Are you interested in mastering the basics? Do you want to acquire skills to assist your students or school when funds are limited? Or perhaps you're exploring whether repair is your calling and want to test the waters? We offer classes that cater to all these possibilities.
If you're uncertain about pursuing repair, a basics course is an excellent way to assess your skills.
The Saxophone Basics Class, Clarinet Basics Class, or Flute Basics Class are perfect for those eager to "get their feet wet." Each course begins with an introduction to the instrument, focusing on care and maintenance from a technician's perspective, and concludes with a small task for you to tackle independently. It's a fantastic way to start viewing your instrument through the eyes of a technician.
The Emergency Woodwind Repair Class is specifically designed for band directors.
Given the financial constraints many directors face and the unforeseen emergencies that occur, we've crafted a course to teach the fundamentals of repair. It covers how to assess issues, repair minor problems, and address major challenges. The class focuses on the three main woodwinds: flute, clarinet, and saxophone, each with its unique construction and issues, tackled one at a time.
The Career Path
For those determined to pursue repair as a career, numerous options are available, though obstacles such as finances, location, and mentor availability may arise. I understand these challenges firsthand, having faced rejections from apprenticeships or encountering conditions I couldn't accept. In training our students, we've encountered issues like the absence of available apprenticeships, a lack of nearby technicians for repairs, and limited opportunities within entire countries.
The repair industry offers diverse job opportunities, but success requires knowledge, creativity, and persistence.
Online teaching has its advantages and drawbacks. We've carefully developed our courses to combine the best of online and in-person learning. While in-person training can expedite learning the basics, online training allows students to practice extensively before evaluation. However, it lacks the personal interaction of handing the instrument back and forth between mentor and student which is necessary for development of technique.
For this reason we built into our courses a physical element for grading a final assignment at the end of the online course. AND in 2025 we are adding the optional element of finding a local mentor to work with on specific issues. Finding a local mentor is not meant to become an obstacle in the course, but instead another boost for those that choose to take this path.
Our Courses
Our courses are segmented into multiple steps and options based on the student's skill level and instrument. Each course is designed to achieve specific goals and includes various types of assessments, from photographic and video to traditional tests and physically shipping the instrument. We are committed to supporting your success at every stage.
As this is not entirely online, we adhere to a schedule with specific openings throughout the year. While the 2025 schedule link is not yet available, the first Level 1 course begins on January 27th, 2025. Links will be posted here as soon as they are available.
Level 1 - Introduction to repair as a skill. Learn to do a simplified COA, minor repairs and adjustments.
Level 2 - Continuation on a the skills needed for a full COA or simplified overhaul. Learn a secondary family instrument ie. piccolo/bass clarinet/tenor sax.
In-Person Training - In person training helps you step up your skill level to become a better technician. Even with all of our instructional videos, having the back and forth with a technician gives important critique to technique and improves your skills immensely. Here we can also discuss topics which were avoided in the online classes for the in-person only attention needed.
Levels 3 & 4 are designed as private lessons for those that want some extra assistance or are wanting to improve their skills before going to an advanced training etc. If these levels fit what you are looking for, please contact us for additional information.
If you would like to get into repair feel free to use any of these links to get started and take advantage of these coupon codes to get the best prices!
COLSTONBAND - 20% off 3 Emergency Repair Courses (Find some friends)
COLSTONBASICS - 20% off a basics courses
COLSTONLEVEL1 - 20% off a level 1 course
If you have any questions about getting into repair, finding a mentor, or other related questions, please feel free to contact us at thetunefultechllc@gmail.com
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