 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: dextrousclarinetist
Date: 2015-07-22 16:49
Hi! I'm new to this forum so bear with me.
I'm in school for performance right now, but the longer this program wears on the more I've been reconsidering my career choice and the degree itself. I've been doing some side work making minor repairs on instruments, and I kind of like it.
I've started looking into jobs that might not require a degree and involve clarinets (since that's what I know) and was thinking clarinet repair might actually be a pretty good idea and have seen a few promising ones.
Two Questions:
1. How many *good* clarinet repair companies are out there
2. In regards to one company in particular - I like the idea of working for Wesley Rice Clarinet Repair, and I know they're actively hiring, but wasn't sure if I should work for a small or big company.
They seem to have pretty good reviews, but I wanted to consult a community of clarinetists prior to making a final decision.
So, if you happen to know about this company and can speak from personal experience, that would be great! I'm trying to determine where I can *learn* the most so I want to choose the best possible place, for me, to work for.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2015-07-22 17:46
Ideally you want to be under the guide of someone who can give you their undivided attention so they can instruct you through every stage of clarinet repair so you can ask questions, get answers and be shown exactly what to do as and when, but that's easier said than done if they're a busy shop and have a lot of repair work on with imminent deadlines to meet.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Arnoldstang
Date: 2015-07-22 20:07
I might be more inclined to look into general woodwind repair. Talk to guys at JL Smith.
Freelance woodwind performer
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2015-07-22 23:55
I would think working directly with a reputable repair person is the way to go. General studies are nice and all but you would want to know how the guys who get the "symphony" business do it.
............Paul Aviles
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Author: Midday
Date: 2015-07-23 00:48
I'm in a local repair shop fixing up clarinets as my summer job, and we get a lot of business from the schools around and beyond the area that send their instruments to us, as well as pros (the place is called The Wind Shoppe). The guys here really know what they're doing as well, which is great.
The small environment is great as long as you get along with everyone. Very relaxed and not too high stress with someone always trying to watch you slip up. Hours are flexible, the work is very relaxed. I can't speak for large companies, perhaps they are also like this, but this is what I'm getting in my experience from a local shop.
Post Edited (2015-07-23 00:49)
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Author: Clarineteer
Date: 2015-07-23 01:09
Ten years ago I was offered a free apprenticeship one on one from a woodwind repair specialist and have been enjoying working on clarinets.
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Author: dextrousclarinetist
Date: 2015-07-23 01:23
Hi guys,
Thanks for all the help and responses! I'm going to mull this over but based on what you guys are saying I'm probably going to lean towards a smaller company. It seems like a better way to actually learn the trade. Going to music school is just insane :/ If I have any more questions I'll be sure to come here since you guys are so helpful!!!!!
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Author: azuka
Date: 2015-07-23 02:17
I've known repair techs who went to the Redwing school and others who got on the job training. Both seem to do well.
On the dark side..... the local big store has a nice repair shop, but every year they do 'spring cleaning' after the busy school year is coming to a close and they let go the excess employees including sales staff, office staff and repair techs. The guys who have been there for years tend to remain, and it's the new guys that have the most to worry about.
So working at that big store seems to be pretty tense to me.
And of course, once you got really good, you could establish your own online presence and specialize however you wanted. This works for some but not others.
At one time, I thought a good repair tech could do quite well by buying used vintage and pro saxes and clarinets, putting them in top playing condition and then resell on eBay or other venues. But that was before eBay turned evil. I could no longer recommend such a path in good conscience.
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Author: KenJarczyk
Date: 2015-07-23 02:23
I've heard very good things on Red Wing. Also - I believe Indiana University offers a BM in instrument repair.
Ken Jarczyk
Woodwinds Specialist
Eb, C, Bb, A & Bass Clarinets
Soprano, Alto, Tenor & Baritone Saxophones
Flute, Alto Flute, Piccolo
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Author: pewd
Date: 2015-07-23 08:00
What Arnold said.
There are 3 or 4 colleges that have instrument repair courses.
There is one in Redmond Washington - Google - I can't remember the name.
And you will have many more opportunities if you get a general repair course of study. The money is in band instrument repair, for major music stores serving middle and high school band programs. I wouldn't want to limit myself to just clarinets.
Azuka's comments are good too - start off with general instrument repair, then after you're experienced, you can specialize, and eventually, open up your own specialized shop.
Good luck - if I was (much!) younger I'd go to one of the technical schools and go through the band instrument repair classes. That never occurred to me when I was in college. I do repairs now, but I'm small and don't get much business (by choice).
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
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Author: Bennett ★2017
Date: 2015-07-23 08:34
You say you're in school as a performance major; perhaps instead of learning a trade switch to music education. You might find that path that leads to more job security (and perhaps satisfaction.)
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