If you have extensive experience playing a specific instrument and a passion for music, you might want to consider pursuing a career as an instrument maker. Rather than attempting to become an instrument maker who builds a variety of instruments, you will most likely need to specialize in one type of instrument. This will allow you to specialize in one area, as developing the skills required to make a high-quality instrument can take years, if not decades. When deciding what type of instrument maker you want to be, think about your strengths and interests.
It is not necessary to have a specific level of education to become an instrument maker, though you may want to consider taking an instrument making course. For example, a lutherie school will teach you how to make stringed instruments like guitars and mandolins. If you want to become an instrument maker through this route, the school may require you to have a high school diploma before you can enroll, so be sure to look into the acceptance requirements. Other options exist if you do not want to take classes to become an instrument maker, but they may be more difficult.
Apprentice under an experienced instrument maker, for example, but apprenticeships can be difficult to find and accept. To learn the necessary skills and techniques, you will most likely need to work as an apprentice for many years, and the pay may not be very good. However, if such apprenticeships exist and you believe you have a good chance of being accepted, this is a fantastic way to gain hands-on experience as an instrument maker.
Learning the skills on your own and building instruments as a hobis the most difficult path to becoming an instrument maker. This means you’ll have to put in the time and money to learn the skills, purchase the tools, and experiment with the processes. You’ll also need to learn how to play the instruments and distinguish between pitches and tones. The majority of instrument makers play the instruments they create, and they do so exceptionally well. To become an instrument maker, a good first step is to learn how to play a specific instrument exceptionally well so that you can create instruments with great tones. Learn as much as you can about the materials used to create specific instruments, and take note of their acoustic properties.