Full Time Classical Guitar Making and Repair

Full Time Classical Guitar Making and Repair

Course Description:
This leading classical guitar making course introduces the craft of making classical guitars using the Spanish method. The two year programme equips students with the knowledge and practical skills that will enable them to be guitar makers in their own right. By the end of the course, the students will have built a minimum of three guitars of contrasting designs.

The tutors are all professional makers and the School 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.

Course Content:
Year one

The level 2 course is structured to include making moulds and jigs, neck, soundboard and strutting, rosette, back and ribs, fingerboard and bridge. All these components are then assembled and the instrument is prepared for finishing. Students also learn about woodwork for instrument makers, materials and their applications, the history and development of the guitar and Health and Safety in the workshop.

Year Two

At level 3 students build two guitars that incorporate more complex details such as rosette designs, methods of neck jointing, internal construction and other features of professional instruments. At least one guitar will be French polished. The guitars made are of contrasting designs; options include guitars based on designs of Romanillos, Friederich, Fleta and other similar models, and students have the chance to build a Flamenco guitar.

In both years students keep a written record of their work which documents all the actions carried out to produce their guitars. They will also learn to manufacture their own hand tools for guitar making and gain a separate tool making qualification for this work.

Level:
Level 2 and Level 3

Course Type:
Full Time

Entry Requirements:
The course is structured in units, the majority of which are concerned with the making of the guitar, which is a practical, workshop-based activity.

Level 3

Previous experience in woodwork, art or engineering is an advantage but each application is treated on its merits. Ability to play the guitar is desirable but not essential. Level 3 applicants should have completed level 2 or have suitable previous experience

Assessment and Progression:
Practical work is reviewed and assessed regularly. Some units are externally tested.

Progression
Successful completion of level 2 course provides entry to Level 3. Many students prepare to be self employed when they complete the whole programme. A Newark College Guitar Making Diploma can also be achieved at the end of the course and requires presentation of at least two guitars together with supporting written assignments

Duration:
2 years full time