The shortage of music educators has been widely reported, but there’s also a serious shortage of instrument repair technicians. From what I’ve observed, any band or orchestra repair technician can show up to nearly any music store and find work immediately. When I finished my apprenticeship, I sent 27 resumes and received 31 job offers. At a recent NAMM meeting, 40 of the 41 businesses present were actively seeking repair technicians.
There are two reasons for the shortage of technicians: First, as an industry, we’re failing to promote instrument repair as a viable career path. And second, there’s a lack of local learning opportunities and apprenticeship programs.
PROMOTE YOUR TECHNICIAN NEED
When inventory sits too long, stores promote it through social media and in store signage. Our road reps deliver flyers, and eventually, discounts are given. We need to approach our technician shortage the same way: by marketing the career path. It’s time to raise awareness and make instrument repair an attractive, respected and visible option for young people.
Film a short, engaging video showing the daily life of your repair technicians bringing music to life, one repair at a time. Capture moments like lighting a torch, melting glue onto pads, running a lathe or buffing a key to a shine. End with the happy face of a musician holding their repaired instrument. No dialogue is needed, just real, satisfying work that inspires curiosity.
Encourage parents and school teachers to consider instrument repair as a career path for their students. Every store is looking for technicians — share that.
CREATE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Store owners often lack the confidence or structure to train technicians. This hesitation has directly contributed to the shortage of skilled professionals.
While sending candidates to trade schools or existing apprenticeship programs is valuable, creating local apprenticeships is even more powerful. When you train someone from your community — someone with family, friends and local connections — you’re not just filling a position; you’re investing in long-term loyalty.
START AN APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
Every store with at least one skilled technician has the ability to launch an apprenticeship program. Here’s how:
1. Set a compensation plan and outline how your current tech will be compensated for mentoring.
2. Establish training goals by defining what foundational repair skills the apprentice will learn first.
3. Plan hands-on projects such as small, productive tasks an apprentice can safely do right away to contribute to the shop.
4. Teach the “why,” and not just the “how.” Encourage your tech to teach concepts and reasoning, not just step-by-step instructions. This builds stronger, more adaptable repairers.
5. Create a supportive learning culture by making mentorship a respected part of your shop’s identity.
To truly fix the global shortage of repair technicians, every store needs to promote instrument repair as a viable career path and develop local apprenticeship programs. Learn more from my experience as a retail store owner and the director of PMP’s apprenticeship program, at premiummusicproducts.com/repairconsultation where I offer free promotional materials, training plans and support to those setting up their own apprenticeships. MI
Steve France is a veteran instrument repair technician and educator based in St. George, Utah. He operates Premium Music Products, where he develops Tech-Oil Lubricants and provides advanced training through Repair Masterclass for band and orchestra repair professionals.
