Newark College's School of Musical Instrument Crafts is delighted to announce a new partnership with the European Guitar Builders (EGB), marking an exciting collaboration that will strengthen education, professional development, and international opportunities for aspiring guitar makers.
Founded as a professional alliance for professional independent European luthiers, European Guitar Builders is dedicated to supporting the community of independent guitar makers across Europe and beyond.
Through world-class exhibitions, advocacy for sustainable materials, and an open, collaborative network for sharing construction methods and skills, EGB helps ensure that the historic craft of hand-built instrument making continues to thrive in the modern era.
Musical instrument crafts have been taught at Newark College since 1972 and now features four pathways: Guitar, Violin, Woodwind and Piano.
From Newark to 37 countries around the world, Newark alumni continue to carry the tradition of craftsmanship across generations and borders.
The partnership between Newark College and EGB is founded on a shared commitment to craftsmanship, education, innovation, and community. Together, the organisations will create meaningful opportunities that connect students with leading professionals while strengthening links between education and the wider lutherie industry.
Frank Deimel, EGB Chair, said: "Partnering with the Newark College School of Musical Instrument Crafts is a natural extension of EGB's core mission. True lutherie relies on passing down generational knowledge while constantly adapting to modern standards. By connecting these talented students directly with our network of master luthiers and establishing the new Education Workgroup, we aren't just teaching technical skills, we are actively investing in the survival and evolution of hand-built guitar making across Europe."
As part of the collaboration, EGB will deliver a series of international online masterclasses, providing students with direct access to renowned guitar makers from across Europe.
The partnership will also establish a dedicated professional forum for tutors, creating opportunities to exchange teaching practices, collaborate with colleagues from European lutherie schools, and share specialist expertise across the international community.
Students enrolled on full-year guitar-making programmes at the School of Musical Instrument Crafts will benefit from complimentary EGB Support Memberships throughout their studies. This membership provides access to exclusive technical resources, online archives, educational content, and a vibrant network of professional instrument makers.
To further support career development, final-year students will also be matched with experienced luthiers from the EGB community through a dedicated one-to-one mentorship programme. These relationships will help bridge the gap between education and professional practice, offering personalised guidance as students begin their careers.
In addition, students will have opportunities to volunteer at EGB exhibitions and events, gaining valuable industry experience, expanding their professional networks, and contributing to one of Europe's leading organisations for independent guitar makers.
Adrian Lucas, EGB Member and Former Newark College Lecturer: “Belonging to the European Guitar Builders expands your horizons and gives you a place in the world of lutherie, enabling you to be a part of the hive mind and sharing in the collective experience and support of a continent of guitar makers.”
The partnership reflects a long-term commitment from both organisations to maintain open communication, share knowledge, and create lasting opportunities for future generations of artisan instrument makers.
Penny Taylor MBE, Head of Newark Campuses, added: "This partnership represents an exciting step forward for our School of Musical Instrument Crafts and, most importantly, for our students.
“By working alongside European Guitar Builders, we are connecting our learners with an exceptional network of internationally respected luthiers who share our passion for craftsmanship, innovation, and lifelong learning.
“The opportunities this collaboration creates, from masterclasses and mentorship to professional networking and volunteering, will continue to help our students develop the skills, confidence, and industry connections they need to succeed as the next generation of independent instrument makers.
“We are proud to be working with EGB to strengthen the future of this remarkable craft."
This collaboration marks the beginning of a long-term relationship built on a shared vision of excellence in instrument making, ensuring that traditional craftsmanship continues to evolve while supporting emerging makers with the knowledge, opportunities, and community they need to flourish.
To learn more about the Guitar Making and Repair courses at Newark College, visit: https://musicalinstrumentcrafts.co.uk/ or EBG: https://europeanguitarbuilders.com/
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Date Posted
07 July 2026
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Last Edited
07 July 2026
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