Musical Instrument Crafts - Piano Tuning, Maintenance and Repair (Advanced)

 The Piano School is the UK centre of excellence for piano tuning, restoration and repair, designed for those who wish to work in the piano industry as a tuner or technician. This 2 year course is designed to prepare successful learners with the skills needed to join the piano trade. It develops skills, techniques and understanding to a level based on commercial standards of quality and time.

This course builds on the basic level 2 course and covers more advanced aspects of piano tuning on both upright and grand pianos. It also includes everything from minor maintenance tasks typically performed on a customer's piano, to full workshop restoration and refurbishment.

The course is workshop based and is involves demonstrations becoming more self directed as concepts and techniques are practised. Main elements include: upright and grand piano fine tuning, restringing, action (hammer mechanism) overhaul of upright and grand pianos, setting up and regulating, case restoration and polishing. This level includes the study of acoustics and prepares students for employment or self employment by introducing basic business planning and practices.
 

Entry is based on successful completion of level 2 or the equivalent tuning and repair experience. Interviews are held in the Spring and Summer terms each year. Places are awarded on the basis of potential, commitment and aptitude.

Applicants from outside the UK and EU must also have a qualification in English at or above level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for languages in order to apply for a Tier 4 student visa.
 

Practical work is reviewed and assessed regularly. A Newark College Diploma in Piano Tuning and Restoration can also be achieved at the end of the course to recognise and grade high quality work.

Successful completion of the course prepares students for a range of job opportunities either self-employed or employed by retail shops and manufacturers.
 

Fees for the 2013/14 academic year are currently under review. Figures given below are indicative only and subject to change. Fees will be posted here as soon as they become available.

The annual course fees for 2012/13 will be £2000.00 for UK/EU students. This includes tuition and examination fees. These fees are subject to annual review and are expected to increase for next year. Our student services advisors can help assess the level of support available to you.