Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Musical Instrument Repairer
What musical instrument repairers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a musical instrument repairer?
Tune a piano at a school. From there, the day usually includes tune pianos, repair brass and woodwinds, and set up guitars. Full time, with busy back-to-school seasons.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a musical instrument repairer working full time.
- Tune a piano at a school.
- Back at the shop: repad a clarinet.
- Lunch.
- Remove dents from a trumpet.
- Set up a guitar.
- Repair a violin crack.
- Write estimates.
Where musical instrument repairers work
Repairers work in shops, music stores, schools and homes.
Hours and schedule
Full time, with busy back-to-school seasons.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Tune pianos
- Repair brass and woodwinds
- Set up guitars
- Replace pads and strings
- Fix cracks
- Adjust actions
- Build instruments
Tools you’ll use every day
- Tuning hammers
- Electronic tuners
- Dent tools
- Pad tools
- Luthier tools
- Torches
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Work with music
- Craft skill
- Can be self-employed
- Steady school demand
What’s hard
- Small field
- Detail work
- Seasonal rushes
- Modest pay at first
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I love music
- I have a good ear
- I like fine detail work
- I’m patient
- I might run a shop
- I like woodworking
Not sure? Take the free Musical Instrument Repairer fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Use torches safely
- Ventilate finishes
- Handle tools carefully
- Lift pianos with help