Are you passionate about guitars and dream of crafting your own instruments? Perhaps you’re a musician looking to deepen your understanding of guitar construction and repair? If you’re searching for “Guitar Schools Near Me,” you’ve come to the right place. While the ideal guitar school might not always be just around the corner, this comprehensive guide explores some of the best luthier schools across the United States, offering a range of programs to suit aspiring luthiers of all levels.
The art of lutherie, or crafting stringed instruments, is a time-honored tradition that blends woodworking skills, musical knowledge, and artistic vision. Choosing the right luthier school is a crucial first step in your journey to mastering this craft. Whether you’re seeking intensive, hands-on training or a more flexible schedule, exploring schools nationwide can open up opportunities you might not find locally.
This article compiles a detailed list of luthier schools in the USA, providing essential information to help you find the perfect fit for your educational goals. From short workshops to comprehensive multi-year programs, the options are diverse and cater to various interests within guitar making and repair.
Explore Premier Lutherie Programs Across America
Below is an extensive directory of luthier schools throughout the United States. Each entry provides key details to help you begin your research into guitar making education.
American School of Lutherie
American School of Lutherie
Charles Fox
Portland, OR
Classroom and hands-on professional training for luthiers of all levels.
The American School of Lutherie, led by the renowned Charles Fox, is a cornerstone of luthier education. Located in Portland, Oregon, this school offers a comprehensive curriculum designed for individuals at every stage of their lutherie journey. From foundational woodworking techniques to advanced instrument design, students benefit from a structured, hands-on approach within a professional workshop environment.
ARC Guitar
ARC Guitar
Al Calderone
308 Railroad Ave
Winters, CA 95694
530-902-8920
[email protected]
Complete, professional luthier training for all levels. Open 6 days a week, flexible schedule. Courses offered include 2 week intensive one on one guitar building from scratch or up to 4 months completion for local students at one full day per week. Other courses include teaching all phases of guitar repair, finish work, vintage stringed instrument restoration and guitar electronics. Apprenticeships offered to competent alumni.
ARC Guitar, situated in Winters, California, under the guidance of Al Calderone, provides extensive and adaptable luthier training. With a flexible schedule spanning six days a week, ARC Guitar accommodates various learning paces and time commitments. Their programs range from intensive two-week, one-on-one guitar building courses to longer, four-month courses for local students. Beyond building, ARC Guitar excels in teaching all facets of guitar repair, finishing techniques, vintage instrument restoration, and guitar electronics, ensuring a well-rounded luthier education. Apprenticeship opportunities further enhance the learning experience for accomplished alumni.
Augusta Heritage Center of Davis and Elkins College
Augusta Heritage Center of Davis and Elkins College
Elkins, WV 26241
2 week summer course – constructing a parlor guitar
Located in the scenic landscapes of Elkins, West Virginia, the Augusta Heritage Center at Davis and Elkins College offers specialized craft courses, including a focused two-week summer intensive in guitar construction. This program is ideal for those seeking a concentrated learning experience in building a parlor-style guitar, immersed in the rich cultural heritage of the region.
JS Bogdanovich Guitars
JS Bogdanovich Guitars
82 Sean Dr.
Swannanoa, NC 28778
828-398-8704
[email protected]
Classes will consist of two day sessions which will take place on Friday and Saturday when offered, and will cover some aspect of the building process. Classes will be demonstration only, therefore photography will be permitted during the presentation
JS Bogdanovich Guitars, located in Swannanoa, North Carolina, provides focused, two-day weekend sessions that delve into specific aspects of the guitar building process. These classes, led by experienced luthiers, are primarily demonstration-based, offering valuable insights and visual learning opportunities. Students are encouraged to document the presentations through photography, ensuring they capture detailed knowledge and techniques.
Borman Violins
Borman Violins
Terry Michael Borman
1221 E. Rodgers Dr.
Fayetteville, AR, 72701
479-935-9483
[email protected]
6-day intensives in violin setup, varnish, violin making. Prior experience required
Borman Violins, situated in Fayetteville, Arkansas, under the direction of Terry Michael Borman, specializes in intensive, six-day workshops focused on violin craftsmanship. These programs are designed for individuals with prior experience and cover critical areas such as violin setup, varnishing techniques, and violin making. The intensive format allows for deep immersion and rapid skill development in a short period.
Brian Burns – Lessons in Lutherie
www.lessonsinlutherie.com
Brian Burns
18000 George’s Lane
Fort Bragg, CA 95437
707-961-1064
[email protected]
Individual, hands-on instruction in classical and flamenco guitar making
Brian Burns, based in Fort Bragg, California, offers personalized, hands-on instruction in the specialized craft of classical and flamenco guitar making. His “Lessons in Lutherie” program provides students with individualized attention and guidance, fostering a deep understanding of the unique construction and nuances of these guitar styles. The one-on-one approach ensures tailored learning and skill development in a focused environment.
Alan Carruth – Luthier
Alan Carruth
51 Camel Hump Rd.,
Newport, NH 03773
603-863-7064
[email protected]
Ongoing monthly weekend sessions; guitars, violin family, folk instrument construction; individualized
Alan Carruth, located in Newport, New Hampshire, provides ongoing, individualized luthier instruction through monthly weekend sessions. His expertise spans a broad range of instrument families, including guitars, violins, and various folk instruments. The personalized approach allows students to focus on their specific interests and projects, benefiting from Carruth’s extensive knowledge and experience in instrument construction.
Chicago Luthiers Workshop
Chicago Luthiers Workshop
Chicago, Illinois
773-528-2426
[email protected]
10-week guitar making class, flexible schedule
The Chicago Luthiers Workshop, situated in the heart of Chicago, Illinois, offers a 10-week guitar making class with a flexible schedule designed to accommodate busy individuals. This workshop provides a structured introduction to guitar construction, suitable for beginners and those looking to expand their woodworking skills in instrument making.
Chicago School of Guitar Making
Chicago School of Guitar Making
1240 N. Homan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60651
773-489-4830
Specimen Products
Courses in guitar building, guitar repair, and tube amp building
The Chicago School of Guitar Making, part of Specimen Products in Chicago, Illinois, offers a diverse curriculum encompassing guitar building, repair, and even tube amplifier construction. This school provides a comprehensive approach to the world of guitars and related technologies, catering to students interested in both the acoustic and electronic aspects of stringed instruments.
Chicago School of Violin Making
Chicago School of Violin Making
3636 Oakton St.,
Skokie, IL 60076
847-673-9545
fax 847-673-9546
[email protected]
3 1/2 years, violin family construction and repair
The Chicago School of Violin Making, located in Skokie, Illinois, is dedicated to the in-depth study of violin family instruments. Their comprehensive 3 1/2-year program covers the intricate techniques of violin construction and repair. This long-term, intensive course is designed for serious students aiming for professional careers in violin lutherie.
Colorado School of Lutherie
Colorado School of Lutherie
Edward Victor Dick
Denver, Colorado
[email protected]
3hr./wk. for 22 weeks guitar construction
The Colorado School of Lutherie, based in Denver, Colorado and led by Edward Victor Dick, offers a structured 22-week guitar construction course, meeting for three hours per week. This program provides a balanced approach, allowing students to progressively develop their guitar making skills over a sustained period without requiring full-time commitment.
James Condino – Lutherie Instruction
James Condino
Asheville, North Carolina
828-450-5440
[email protected]
Individual instruction and short courses in mandolin, flattop guitar, archtop guitar, and double bass construction
James Condino, situated in Asheville, North Carolina, offers personalized luthier instruction and short courses focusing on a variety of instruments. His expertise includes mandolin, flattop guitar, archtop guitar, and the larger double bass. The individual instruction approach ensures that students receive focused guidance tailored to their specific instrument interests and skill levels.
Cornish College of the Arts – Cornish+
Cornish+: Cornish College of the Arts
1000 Lenora St.,
Seattle, WA 98121
(206) 726-5148
[email protected]
Beginning to intermediate level luthier courses that include free lab and shop time for projects. Multigenerational options are available for friends and family for students interested in hands-on courses and workshops in luthier skills and woodworking.
Cornish College of the Arts, through its Cornish+ program in Seattle, Washington, provides luthier courses for beginning to intermediate students. A notable feature is the inclusion of free lab and shop time, encouraging hands-on project work and practice. The program also offers multigenerational learning options, making it accessible for friends and family to explore lutherie and woodworking together.
William Cumpiano – Guitar Making Tutorials
William Cumpiano
8 Easthampton Rd.,
Easthampton, MA 01027
413-585-1596 (AM)
413-586-3730 (PM)
[email protected]
2-week sessions 4- or 5x/yr., individual, one-on-one tutorials in guitar construction; on-line updates to his book, comprehensive website information
William Cumpiano, based in Easthampton, Massachusetts, offers intensive, two-week, one-on-one tutorials in guitar construction, held several times a year. Cumpiano, a respected figure in lutherie, provides personalized instruction, drawing on his extensive experience and detailed knowledge. He also offers online resources and updates to his renowned book on guitar making, enhancing the learning experience.
de Houtwinkel Guitars and Ukuleles
de Houtwinkel Guitars and Ukuleles
Logan, UT
[email protected]
One-on-one instrument building classes for acoustic guitars, and ukuleles. Flexible schedule, and beginner friendly
de Houtwinkel Guitars and Ukuleles, located in Logan, Utah, provides one-on-one instrument building classes focused on acoustic guitars and ukuleles. With a flexible schedule and beginner-friendly approach, de Houtwinkel caters to individuals at various skill levels, particularly those starting their journey in lutherie. The personalized instruction ensures a supportive and effective learning environment.
Eastern School of Fretted Instrument Repair
Eastern School of Fretted Instrument Repair
3352 Route 9 South,
Freehold, NJ 07728
732-866-9024
[email protected]
5 month, 30 hours a week, comprehensive guitar and fretted instrument repair training
The Eastern School of Fretted Instrument Repair, located in Freehold, New Jersey, offers an intensive, five-month comprehensive training program in guitar and fretted instrument repair. With 30 hours of weekly instruction, this program provides a deep dive into the skills and knowledge needed for professional instrument repair. The focused curriculum prepares students for a career in instrument maintenance and restoration.
Elliott Guitars
Jeffrey Elliott and Cyndy Burton
2812 SE 37th Ave.,
Portland, OR 97202
503-233-0836
[email protected]
Private consultation guitar making, French polishing; and small group two-day intensives
Elliott Guitars, in Portland, Oregon, led by Jeffrey Elliott and Cyndy Burton, offers specialized luthier education services. These include private consultations in guitar making, focused instruction in French polishing techniques, and small group, two-day intensive workshops. The personalized and small-group settings ensure high-quality, focused learning experiences in specific areas of lutherie.
Fretted Strings
Fretted Strings
Harrison Phipps
231 G Street, Studio 27
Davis, CA 95616
530-304-1886
[email protected]
Ongoing classes in guitar and ukulele building and repair
Fretted Strings, located in Davis, California, under the direction of Harrison Phipps, offers ongoing classes in guitar and ukulele building and repair. These continuous classes provide flexible learning opportunities for individuals interested in developing skills in both instrument construction and maintenance. The open-ended format allows students to progress at their own pace and deepen their expertise over time.
Galloup School of Guitar Building and Repair
Galloup School of Guitar Building and Repair
10840 Northland Dr.,
Big Rapids, MI 49307
231-796-5611
800-278-0089
fax 231-796-3837
[email protected]
2- and 6-month courses in acoustic and electric guitar repair and construction
The Galloup School of Guitar Building and Repair, situated in Big Rapids, Michigan, is a well-established institution offering both 2-month and 6-month courses in acoustic and electric guitar repair and construction. Known for its comprehensive curriculum and hands-on approach, Galloup provides in-depth training for those serious about pursuing lutherie professionally. The varying course lengths cater to different levels of commitment and career goals.
Haight Guitars
Haight Guitars
One Week, One Guitar
Scottsdale, AZ
haightguitars.com
Offering private consultation on guitar building and repair
Haight Guitars, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, offers a unique “One Week, One Guitar” intensive program, along with private consultations in guitar building and repair. This focused approach allows individuals to dedicate a week to the immersive experience of building a guitar from start to finish, combined with personalized guidance from experienced luthiers.
Hamm-tone School of Guitar Building & Repair
Hamm-tone School of Guitar Building & Repair
N. Jeremy Hamm
Winnipeg, Manitoba [Note: Location is actually Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, not in the USA]
204-894-3834
[email protected]
5 week acoustic guitar building class
3 week electric guitar building class
2 & 5 day repair classes
Hamm-tone School of Guitar Building & Repair, while listed, is actually located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. It offers a range of focused courses including a 5-week acoustic guitar building class, a 3-week electric guitar building class, and shorter 2-day and 5-day repair classes. These programs provide structured learning experiences in specific areas of guitar making and maintenance.
Hart’s Guitars and Lutherie School
Hart’s Guitars and Lutherie School
Avondale Estates, Atlanta, GA
[email protected]
Classes offered in guitar building, ukulele, and Cigar box guitars.
Hart’s Guitars and Lutherie School, located in Avondale Estates near Atlanta, Georgia, offers classes in a diverse range of instrument building. Their curriculum includes guitar building, ukulele construction, and even the unique craft of cigar box guitar making. This school caters to a broad spectrum of interests within stringed instrument creation, from traditional guitars to more unconventional instruments.
Hawkins Guitar Luthier School
Hawkins Guitar Luthier School
Brian Hawkins
Virginia Beach, VA
(757) 214-2278
[email protected]
www.facebook.com/hawkinsguitar
twitter.com/hawkinsguitar
20 day intense, one on one course. Build a acoustic guitar from scratch
Hawkins Guitar Luthier School, based in Virginia Beach, Virginia, under the direction of Brian Hawkins, provides a highly intensive, 20-day, one-on-one course. This program is designed for complete immersion in acoustic guitar building, guiding students through the entire process of crafting an instrument from scratch. The personalized, intensive format ensures focused learning and rapid skill acquisition.
Heritage Luthier School
Heritage Luthier School
8 South Chestnut Street
Beacon, NY 12508
(845) 309-5917
[email protected]
Two-week intensive workshops for an accelerated learning experience or you can opt for our self-paced course to master the craft at your own rhythm. Instruments to choose from include Classical/flamenco guitar, oud, electric guitars and basses, Puerto Rican cuatro, Cuban/Puerto Rican tres, mandolin, and more.
Heritage Luthier School, located in Beacon, New York, offers flexible learning options including two-week intensive workshops for accelerated learning and self-paced courses for mastering lutherie at your own rhythm. The school boasts a wide variety of instrument focuses, from classical and flamenco guitars to ouds, electric guitars and basses, and Latin American instruments like the Puerto Rican cuatro and Cuban/Puerto Rican tres, as well as mandolins. This diverse offering caters to a wide range of musical and cultural interests in instrument making.
Martin Guitar Foundation Luthier Lab at Northampton Community College
Martin Guitar Foundation Luthier Lab at Northampton Community College
Bethlehem, PA
610-332-8665
[email protected]
The Martin Guitar Foundation Luthier Lab at NCC is a 16-week (800 hour) certification program designed to provide top-of-the-line education to enhance your guitar-building skills and business development. The program includes seven (7) stringed instrument builds. Additionally, you will earn the Small Business Management & Entrepreneurship Certificate and OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Training.
The Martin Guitar Foundation Luthier Lab at Northampton Community College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, offers a comprehensive 16-week (800-hour) certification program. This top-tier program is designed to elevate guitar-building skills while also fostering business development acumen. Students engage in building seven stringed instruments and earn a Small Business Management & Entrepreneurship Certificate, along with OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Training, providing a well-rounded education for aspiring luthier entrepreneurs.
MI Guitar Craft Academy Nashville
MI Guitar Craft Academy Nashville
5000 Harding Pl.,
Nashville, TN 37211
615-333-9423
[email protected]
MI’s Guitar Craft program offers comprehensive training in the design, construction, and maintenance of electric and acoustic guitars.
MI Guitar Craft Academy in Nashville, Tennessee, part of the Musicians Institute (MI), delivers comprehensive training in guitar craft. Their program covers the full spectrum of electric and acoustic guitars, from design and construction to maintenance and repair. Located in a city renowned for its music scene, MI Nashville provides an immersive and career-focused luthier education.
Minnesota State College Southeast
Minnesota State College Southeast
308 Pioneer Road
Red Wing, MN 55066
1-800-657-4849
[email protected]
[email protected]
9-month full-time guitar repair and building course, 9-month full-time violin repair; optional electric design & construction & archtop instrument building (mandolin, guitar or violin) courses
Minnesota State College Southeast, in Red Wing, Minnesota, offers a robust 9-month full-time program in guitar repair and building, along with a parallel 9-month program in violin repair. Additionally, they provide optional courses in electric guitar design and construction, as well as archtop instrument building, encompassing mandolin, guitar, or violin. This comprehensive curriculum provides a range of specializations within fretted and bowed stringed instruments.
Nazareth Guitar Institute
Nazareth Guitar Institute
14 South Broad STreet
Nazareth, PA 18064
(570) 856-1324
[email protected]
Fully equipped studio and workshop offers many group workshops or a one-on-one dream building workshop.
The Nazareth Guitar Institute, located in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, provides a fully equipped studio and workshop environment for luthier education. They offer a variety of group workshops and personalized one-on-one “dream building” workshops. This institute caters to both structured group learning and highly customized individual projects, accommodating diverse learning preferences and project goals.
New World School of Violin Making
The New World School of Violin Making
Brian Derber
6970 Red Lake Dr. HC1-119 A
Presque Isle, WI 54557
715-686-7732
3–3 1/2 years violin family; Wisconsin Board certified
The New World School of Violin Making, situated in Presque Isle, Wisconsin, offers a long-term, 3 to 3 1/2 year program dedicated to the violin family of instruments. Wisconsin Board certified, this school provides an in-depth education in violin making, construction, and repair, designed for serious students seeking comprehensive and recognized qualifications in violin lutherie.
North Bennet Street School
North Bennet Street School
150 North Bennet St.,
Boston, MA 02109
617-227-0155
[email protected]
3-year, full-time program in violin making & repair. Financial aid & veterans’ benefits available
North Bennet Street School, located in Boston, Massachusetts, offers a rigorous 3-year, full-time program in violin making and repair. This established institution provides comprehensive training in the craft, with the added benefit of financial aid and veterans’ benefits available to eligible students. The program is designed for those committed to a career in violin lutherie and seeking a respected, intensive education.
O’Brien Guitars – Lutherie Classes
O’Brien Guitars
Robert O’Brien
[email protected]
Hands on individual or two person classical or steel string classes
O’Brien Guitars, directed by Robert O’Brien, offers hands-on luthier classes focused on classical and steel-string guitars. These classes are available in individual or two-person formats, providing personalized attention and a collaborative learning environment. The focus on specific guitar types allows for in-depth exploration of construction techniques relevant to each style.
Roberto Venn School of Luthiery
Roberto Venn School of Luthiery
4011 S. 16th St.,
Phoenix, AZ 85040
602-243-1179
fax 602-304-1175
[email protected]
5 months, guitar making and repair
The Roberto Venn School of Luthiery, located in Phoenix, Arizona, provides a 5-month intensive program in guitar making and repair. This well-regarded school offers a comprehensive curriculum, blending theoretical knowledge with extensive hands-on workshop experience. The 5-month duration allows for significant skill development and project completion within a focused timeframe.
SF Guitarworks
SF Guitarworks
Geoff Luttrell (instructor)
323 Potrero Ave.,
San Francisco, CA 94103
415-865-5424
[email protected]
Separate courses covering, Bone Nut Making, Custom Electric Guitar Building, Effects Pedal Building, Guitar Electronics Repair & Upgrade, Fret Leveling, Refretting, and Guitar Setup & Maintenance
SF Guitarworks, in San Francisco, California, offers a diverse range of specialized courses in guitar maintenance and customization. Led by instructor Geoff Luttrell, courses cover specific skills such as bone nut making, custom electric guitar building, effects pedal construction, guitar electronics repair and upgrades, fret leveling, refretting, and general guitar setup and maintenance. This school provides targeted training for luthiers looking to refine specific skills or specialize in certain areas of guitar work.
Wells School of Lutherie
Wells School of Lutherie
Daytona Beach, FL
781-361-1471
[email protected]
One on one instruction for 8 straight days. At the end of the course the student takes home with him the guitar he made!
Wells School of Lutherie, located in Daytona Beach, Florida, offers an immersive, eight-day, one-on-one instruction program. A unique feature of this course is that students build a guitar from start to finish during the program and take their completed instrument home with them. This intensive, project-based approach provides a highly rewarding and tangible learning experience in guitar construction.
Choosing the Right Guitar School for You
Finding “guitar schools near me” may lead you to discover local workshops or individual luthiers offering lessons. However, for a comprehensive education, consider expanding your search to include schools across the USA. The best guitar school for you will depend on several factors:
- Program Focus: Are you interested in guitar building, repair, or both? Do you want to specialize in acoustic, electric, or a specific type of guitar like classical or archtop?
- Course Duration and Format: Do you prefer short intensive workshops, part-time classes, or a full-time multi-year program?
- Location and Cost: Consider the school’s location, tuition fees, living expenses, and any financial aid options.
- Instructor Expertise: Research the instructors’ backgrounds, experience, and teaching styles.
By exploring the diverse range of guitar schools listed above and carefully considering your personal learning goals, you can take a significant step towards realizing your passion for lutherie. Start your journey today and unlock the rewarding world of crafting and caring for guitars!
