Musical Instrument Craft (Guitar Making and Repair) With Foundation Year

*Subject to approval

The BA (Hons) Musical Instrument Craft (Guitar Making and Repair) is a highly specialised, practical programme that was established in 1994 and is situated at the heart of the Newark College campus.

The course teaches the craft of making classical and steel stringed guitars and aims to equip students with the knowledge and practical skills that will enable them to be guitar makers in their own right. The programme runs over three years and by the end students will have had the opportunity to build a minimum of three guitars of contrasting designs.

The tutors work as experienced professional guitar makers who teach part-time and are able to bring their considerable skills and experience as well as their understanding of current business practice and construction techniques to the course.

The course has close links with players and other makers who visit to lead special workshops and discussions, as well as providing students with valuable feedback and comments about their work.

Newark has a lively international community of instrument-making students, most of whom are also musicians, which new students may find very supportive.

Foundation Year

The Foundation Guitar Making programme has been designed for students who wish to pursue a career in guitar making and repair but don't have the necessary practical experience or skills to join the BA (Hons) Musical Instrument Craft (Guitar Making and Repair) course.

This one-year Foundation course can provide students with the opportunity to develop the underpinning skills and knowledge to progress onto the Level 6 Bachelor's degree - preparing them for progression.

Students are introduced to the basic elements of fretted instrument making and explore the skills, techniques and working practices required to build an instrument. Coursework is 'hands-on', however, students can also gain an understanding of the theories associated with stringed instrument construction.

Students can receive support with study skills in preparation for access to the BA (Hons) course in Guitar Making and Repair.