GUITAR CRAFT PROGRAM

Certificate in Guitar Craft
Certificate of Guitar Craft – Acoustic Guitar Design
Nashville, TN
MI’s Guitar Craft program offers comprehensive training in guitar design, construction and maintenance of both electric and acoustic guitars. In keeping with MI’s total-immersion approach to education, the classroom is a fully-equipped instrument manufacturing facility.

As a final project, you design and build your own instrument, learning through direct experience under the guidance of first-rank professionals how to analyze and solve the problems encountered by working luthiers.

Whether your goal is to work for a guitar manufacturer, design and build your own instruments, or work as a guitar tech, a Guitar Craft education provides the foundation for success.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MI NASHVILLE
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OPEN HOUSE
AUGUST 22nd
10am
CLASSES BEGIN
FALL: OCTOBER 5th

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

LEARN FROM EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONAL LUTHIERS

Guitar Craft instructors bring decades of experience in manufacturing, custom shop operation and instrument repair directly into the classroom.

DESIGN, BUILD, AND PLAY YOUR OWN INSTRUMENT

Design and build your personal guitar or bass from scratch (no prefab bodies or kits) using the same methods and equipment used by custom builders and manufacturers, including hand tools as well as top-of-the-line technology. Weekly private lessons by expert MI guitar instructors will take your own playing to a new level.

ELECTRIC DESIGN

Students learn to build an electric guitar or bass from scratch—including design, fabrication, wiring, electronics, repair and maintenance. This program provides comprehensive preparation for professions in the fields of instrument manufacturing and repair.

ACOUSTIC DESIGN

With the optional 3rd quarter Acoustic Guitar emphasis, learn to design and build virtually any style of acoustic guitar.

DAY AND NIGHT SCHEDULES

Day or evening class schedules, Monday through Friday. Choose the schedule that works best for you.

SMALL CLASS SIZES

Small classes provide plenty of hands-on experience under the close supervision of professional luthiers.

CURRICULUM

This program trains students in the full spectrum of contemporary luthiery skills, with core classes including Instrument Design, Instrument Fabrication, Fretwork & Setup, Instrument Repair, Electronics, and Finish Work. During the program, every student designs and builds a custom electric guitar or bass for their personal use. Each student also receives weekly private instruction in stylistic instrument performance techniques.
BRIAN BONDS

BRIAN BONDS

TYLER SLAWSON

TYLER SLAWSON

BRUCE BUCKINGHAM

BRUCE BUCKINGHAM

TIM VENEROSA

TIM VENEROSA

CLARK SINGLETON

CLARK SINGLETON

CERTIFICATES

The two-quarter/30 credit-unit Certificate program in guitar design, fabrication and maintenance provides comprehensive preparation for the instrument manufacturing and repair professions. Courses are held in a custom-designed facility containing all of the tools, fixtures and accessories required to build high-quality instruments.

During the program, every student designs and builds a custom electric guitar or bass for their personal use. You also receive weekly private instruction in stylistic instrument performance techniques. Completion of all program requirements qualifies the student to earn the Certificate in Guitar Craft.

C

CERTIFICATE IN GUITAR CRAFT

Provides comprehensive training in the methods and techniques of professional electric guitar/bass design, fabrication and maintenance. 2 quarters, 30 credits (at an optimal course load of 15 units/quarter).

C

CERTIFICATE IN GUITAR CRAFT – ACOUSTIC GUITAR DESIGN

An additional focus on steel-string acoustic guitar creation. 3 quarters, 45 credits (at an optimal course load of 15 units/quarter).

NOTICE: Although this program invites students to apply year-round, this program begins during the Fall and Spring Quarters only. Please refer to the Academic Calendar for specific start dates for the upcoming Fall and Spring Quarters.

CAREER OPTIONS

The two-quarter/30-credit-unit Certificate program in guitar design, fabrication and maintenance provides comprehensive preparation for the instrument manufacturing and repair professions:
GUITAR MANUFACTURER
CUSTOM BUILDER
REPAIR TECHNICIAN
TOURING TECHNICIAN
GUITAR PAINTER
PICKUP BUILDER
GUITAR RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
QUALITY CONTROL MANAGER
ESP AND SCHECTER ARE PROUD TO HIRE GUITAR CRAFT STUDENTS AND SUPPORT THEIR FUTURE CAREERS IN THE GUITAR INDUSTRY.

FACILITIES & EQUIPMENT

As an alternative to a traditional classroom setting, all courses are taught at GCA’s state-of-the-art workshop facilities located in Nashville, Tennessee, minutes away from the heart of Music City!

FEATURING:

  • Fully equipped facilities with industry standard equipment
  • Courses are held in a custom-designed facility containing all of the tools, fixtures and accessories required to build high-quality instruments
  • GCA regularly offers night classes to accommodate busy schedules

STUDENT CONSUMER DISCLOSURE

Certificate in Guitar Craft

Certificate in Guitar Craft (Acoustic Guitar Design)

COURSE CATALOG

Program requirements, course information, and further GCA details.

DOWNLOAD

QUESTIONS

Our admissions department is happy to answer your questions!

615-333-9423

READY TO ROCK?

The first step in applying is to complete an Application for Admission.

APPLY NOW
APPROVAL AND ACCREDITATION
Musicians Institute Guitar Craft Academy Nashville is authorized for operation as a postsecondary educational institution by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. This authorization must be renewed each year and is based on an evaluation by minimum standards concerning quality of education, ethical business practices, health and safety, and fiscal responsibility.

In order to view detailed job placement and graduation information on the programs offered by Musicians Institute Guitar Craft Academy Nashville, please visit http://www.tn.gov/thec/topic/authorized-institutions-data.