Students from the degree and foundation courses in Guitar Making and Repair at Newark College recently visited Birmingham to attend two events.
The first was The Guitar Show, an event where guitar makers exhibit their products, ranging from large multi-national companies to individual luthiers, including our own ex-tutor, Adrian Lucas. The event gives students the opportunity to talk to individual makers, see what the larger scale manufacturers are doing, and get a feel for an event where they may one day exhibit their own guitars.
The second event was held at the Royal Birmingham conservatoire, and focused on classical guitars, and in particular youth ensembles. Our students exhibited guitars they had made on the course, and there was a lot of interest and feedback from players, particularly guitar students from the conservatoire.
James Lister, course co-ordinator, commented "These trips are valuable for students in terms of increasing student's knowledge of players needs, and of the industry in general. They also help to raise awareness of the Musical Instrument Craft courses at the College."
Aiden, a third year BA (Hons) Musical Instrument Craft (Guitar Making and Repair) student, added: "At the guitar show, I met some interesting companies which I made connections with. These connections will be great to further my career in guitar building."
Luca, also in his final year of his studies, described the visit to the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire as "A unique opportunity to see RBC students and visiting professionals trying out the guitars I built. Their feedback is very valuable. When guitarists and luthiers come together, it is beneficial for both."
More events and visits are being planned for the near future, giving students the opportunity to widen their experience, and helping to spread the word about the guitar making and repair courses at the college. Learn more here.
