Musical Instruments
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The facilities at the College and knowledge and expertise of our tutors mean the internationally respected musical instrument programme is ideal if your goal is to set up an instrument-making workshop or to work in the trade. This programme is highly acclaimed for the proficiency and expertise of its graduates.
Levels 4 & 5: Foundation Degree (FdA) in Musical Instruments
The Foundation Degree Arts specialising in musical instruments teaches students the skills to enable making stringed instruments, both bowed and plucked including viola da gamba, violin and guitar.
Students are taught skills such as:
- Machine setting
- Woodturning
- Pigment and varnish making
- Varnishing
- Purchase and care of timber/tone woods
- Early bow making
- Basic machining
- Documenting extant instruments
- Selecting and purchasing materials
- Instrument repair
- Decorative and head carving
- Purfling design
- Marquetry and motif
- Setting up
- Sound adjustment.
Access to industry experts also allows students to develop a range of communication skills including drawing and professional skills for contemporary crafts people, and students have the opportunity to attend events such as the London International Early Music Festival to showcase their instruments and network with sector professionals.
The College has a dynamic and creative music community that attracts students with a passion for music who are ready to channel that interest into skilled instrument making. Yehudi Menuhin, one of the greatest violinists of the 20th century was an early trustee of The Edward James Foundation, the charitable trust that supports the College.
Level 6: BA (Hons) Craft Practices
The BA (Hons) Craft Practices course is a one-year programme designed to provide a route into professional practice in your chosen field or for progression onto postgraduate study.
