When a pianist strikes a chord, a timpanist pounds out a rhythm, or a trumpet player blows that first note, All ears are at the ready listening for the perfect pitch, or disappointing dissonance. Musical instrument repairers and tuners keep instruments in tune and in good repair. Instrument repairers and tuners are experts at assessing an instrument's problems and recommending a realistic repair based on the instrument's age, condition, and quality. They may repair all types of instruments, or specialize in one area, such as piano tuning, and often teach customers how to care for instruments. They often start by playing the instrument, tuning it, or taking it apart for any repairs, which might mean removing dents, building or inserting replacement parts, and finishing with a high polish. They may also evaluate instruments for sale or purchase. Instrument repairers and tuners work at music stores, repair shops, instrument rental services, or work independently out of their homes. Some tour with bands or orchestras to keep instruments in top shape for performances. Most repairers are also skilled musicians, although piano tuners often train for the job without musical skills. Standard business hours for many jobs leave evenings and weekends available to perform. Positions typically require either work experience, technical training or an associate's degree, along with related work experience. Apprenticeships are sometimes available.
What they do:
Repair percussion, stringed, reed, or wind instruments. May specialize in one area, such as piano tuning.
On the job, you would:
Play instruments to evaluate their sound quality and to locate any defects.
Adjust string tensions to tune instruments, using hand tools and electronic tuning devices.
Reassemble instruments following repair, using hand tools and power tools and glue, hair, yarn, resin, or clamps, and lubricate instruments as necessary.
Business
customer service
Arts and Humanities
music, dance, visual arts, drama, or sculpture
English language
Engineering and Technology
mechanical
Basic Skills
thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Hand and Finger Use
hold or move items with your hands
keep your arm or hand steady
Ideas and Logic
make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
use rules to solve problems
Hearing and Speech
tell the difference between sounds
pay attention to one sound while there are other distracting sounds
Verbal
communicate by speaking
People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
Attention to Detail
Dependability
Integrity
Persistence
Independence
Achievement/Effort
You might use software like this on the job:
Analytical or scientific software
Katsura Shareware KS Strobe Tuner
Veritune Verituner
certificate after high school or high school diploma/GED usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
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