Violin Repair Program

The Violin Repair program at Minnesota State College-Southeast Technical, Red Wing campus, is a unique program designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in violin repair shops and music stores.

No woodworking or musical experience is necessary. Topics covered in the nine month program include tool preparation, materials, violin history, ebony work, violin varnish, violin playing, bridges and sound posts, bow rehairing, basic bow repairs, and basic violin repairs. Basic principles of repair and maintenance are emphasized, with as much in lab repetition as possible. The majority of time is spent in the lab, with a minimal amount of lecture time.

Our graduates have enjoyed a 100% job placement rate at shops and stores around the country over the past few years.

Southeast Technical in Red Wing also offers a Band Instrument Repair program.

Special Interest: View Lisbeth's gallery of photos & sabbatical notes:

Musical String & Instrument Repair Alumni Stories:

Chris Bakken (Musical String Instrument Repair-Guitar Building Graduate)

Major Offerings

Major Title (Degree)	Campus(es)	Credits
Violin Repair (DIP)	Red Wing	39 cr

Career Opportunities

Music Stores
Repair Shops
Musical Instrument Manufactuers
Entrepreneurial Opportunites

Job Placement

100% - view our tracking summary on Southeast Tech's Class of 2007

Program Highlights

Unique in length and comprehensiveness in the United States

Instructors

Lisbeth Nelson Butler holds a Bachelor of Music Degree in performance and a Master's in Educational Leadership. She is a graduate of the Violin Making School of America in Salt Lake City. Lisbeth owned her own shop in Iowa for nine years and is a professional violinist. She has been an instructor at Southeast Technical since 1990.

John Reed is a graduate of the Musical String Instrument Repair Program, has apprenticed in violin construction with David Folland of Northfield, Minnesota, and has also been an instructor at Minnesota State College Southeast Technical since the early 1990's. Most recently John has worked in research and development at McPherson Guitars in Sparta, Wisconsin.

Minnesota State College-Southeast Technical