Monday 26 January 2015

Brass and Woodwind Repair qualifications

I am often asked about qualifications in the field of Musical Instrument Repair. In particular: Do the courses here in Wales lead to a qualification?
At the moment I am only able to offer a certificate of attendance, and do award these to all students completing a brass or woodwind instrument repair course. I am happy to offer more, but I do want to get it right.

Clearly approval, and with the support of the trade is the correct way to proceed.

When I taught at Merton College, there were two major components included in a students' assessment:
  • Course-work
  • Written exam
The course-work consisted of a list of set tasks that would be undertaken by all students as they progressed through the course, and assessed by the tutor to strict marking schemes. These marks would be combined at the end of the academic year with the written exam results. This would produce a final mark, representing the students' performance on the course.

Pass, credit and distinction were the three possible outcomes. Of course occasionally a pass grade unfortunately was not achieved, and re-sits were available.

The purpose of this post is to get some 'feedback' and opinions from all of you hard-working guys out there. 

The majority of students attending courses here in Wales will require much more experience and expertise before being capable of undertaking professional repairs. Below is an extract taken from my website :

'Students may progress to a professional level by attending further advanced courses, after initially attending a foundation course. 
We do however recommend hands on experience working with a professional repairer after attending a course. Employment and/or possibly an apprenticeship are considered an ideal next step on the road to ‘professional status’. 


An advanced student carefully removing dents from a silver plated trombone outer slide.

The public at large will generally trust  professional associations such as NAMIR to vet and recommend technicians who can carry out highly professional repair-work.

It is our duty therefore to accept this responsibility, and to do all we can to ensure that the high standards expected by our customers are being delivered.

My question therefore, is: Would it be of any value for me here in Wales to offer the opportunity of assessment to students?

My initial thoughts are that this could possibly be offered on two levels. The first and lower level would assess maintenance and minor repairs, and an award at this level would qualify students to do just that. Successful students at this level would not qualify for 'Professional Membership' of NAMIR.

A higher level of assessment would test students on their ability in the diagnosis and the carrying out of repairs to a professional standard. An award at this level would qualify students for Professional NAMIR membership.

I do acknowledge that no qualification can ensure that the person is capable of delivering the service, however it might improve the standards of new members, and give newcomers to the trade something to strive for and work towards.

Those responsible for accepting or otherwise, new members into NAMIR would have much greater information regarding a persons' ability.

Your input regarding content and assessment methods, even qualification titles, will be highly appreciated.

There is absolutely no reason why some form of qualification cannot be provided. There is not a week  goes by, that I am not asked this very question.

Returning to my previous blog; my new web-site is at last up and running.

The web address is:

www.trevorhead.co.uk

Anybody requiring forthcoming course dates and prices will find them as a download in the 'Courses' section of the home-page.

Or Email me at:  trevorhead@btinternet.com

Best wishes to all for now,

Trevor Head


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