The courses
Foundation courses
(available in brass, general woodwinds and stringed instrument repair)
.
These are of 5 days duration. and designed to meet the needs of the aspiring professional repairer and the serious amateur.
Courses are suitable for those with no previous experience of repairing instruments, with an almost totally ‘hands on’ approach being employed. Teaching is through informative demonstrations and short talks on relevant topics.
We are very aware of how difficult it can sometimes be to learn new skills, especially when being observed by others. You will be allowed to work at your own pace and given lots of help and encouragement. Our main aim is to enable you to develop your full potential in this extremely skilful, precise and rewarding area of work.
You will be shown how to use specialist repairer’s tools and materials, and will learn tried and tested repair techniques. Relevant Health and Safety training will be given throughout the course. You may request a typical course itinerary or talk to us if you require more detailed information about course content.
Advanced courses
(available in brass, general woodwinds and saxophone repair)
There is no fixed content for these courses. You will discuss the areas of work that you wish to concentrate on with your tutor, and these will be addressed during the course.
Skills that you already possess will be further developed to a much higher level. New, more advanced repair techniques will be covered and your ‘trouble shooting’ ability improved.
To benefit fully from these courses you will need to have had some previous training and/or experience in repairing.
FAQ’s
Does the course lead to a qualification?
Answer: No. Students completing a course receive an attendance certificate; this is not an accredited qualification. Training here at the school in llangunllo is of the highest standard and is highly regarded by the repair trade.
Where will I stay when attending the course?
Answer: Most students stay in local b&b’s. There are about four in the village of Llangunllo, which is ideal if you have travelled by public transport. For those with their own transport there is a greater choice, taking in the market town of Knighton.
Is there Public transport to the school?
Answer: There is the station of Llangunllo which is situated about 2km from the school. This is on the ‘Heart of Wales line’ operating between Swansea and Shrewsbury. We can usually arrange transport to and from the station.
Do the course fees include the cost of accommodation?
Answer: No. Once enrolled on a course you will be sent a list of local, recommended accommodation which you arrange yourself. Overseas students can request this be organised for them. No charge is made for this service.
Do I have to bring instruments to work on?
Answer: If possible, we do prefer you to bring your own instruments to work on. However, we do appreciate this is not always easy or possible. If given sufficient notice we can usually help with this.
Where do we have lunch?
Answer: Lunch is provided each day at no extra cost. This is usually a hot meal and is taken in the workshop as we have no separate dining area. We like to know in advance of any unusual or vegetarian requirements.
Do I have to bring my own tools and materials?
Answer: No. All tools and materials needed for the course are provided. The school will contribute £5.00 towards the cost of materials that you use in the repair of your instruments. You will be charged trade price for amounts above this, which is paid direct to the tutor. If you do have your own specialist tools, you may of course bring them.
Can I attend an advanced course, with little or no previous repair experience?
Answer: We do not usually recommend this, as you can easily find yourself ‘out of your depth’ Some who are self taught may be using techniques that are not tried and tested, or indeed approved of. Skills are built upon and extended when undertaking advanced work. Poor or no basic training makes this very difficult and may render a course to have been a waste of time. Request a course itinerary or make contact for further information as to what is covered on a course. You can then see if there are any gaps in your knowledge.
Do I need to play an instrument in order to attend a course?
Answer: This is not essential, but it helps when fault finding and testing after a repair has been carried out.
How many students are there on a course?
Answer: A maximum of eight, but usually between four and six.