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Looking for a “cool” apprenticeship? Do you enjoy music? Can you play the guitar? In this apprenticeship, you will not only learn how to play the guitar, but also how to build one. A luthier crafts guitars and other musical instruments out of wood using hand tools. But building a guitar is one thing; making it work is another.

All luthiers must be experienced in playing the instrument they make. So, if you are building a guitar, you have to know how to play one and how to recognise a great sound. Knowing tone and understanding the technique behind playing a guitar are key in the crafting process. You have to know that it sounds correct and it takes a mature ear to get it right. Advanced luthiers produce anywhere between fifteen and twenty-five guitars a year. Each guitar is a piece of art. Many luthiers have been in the business for twenty years and still think they have more to learn.

If you are interested in an apprenticeship as a luthier, there’s a couple ways you could get into it. First things first: can you play the guitar? If you answered no, take a class. Playing the guitar is crucial to a luthier and understanding tone and sound even more so.

Try taking an introductory twelve-week course with a larger company. Often these companies offer courses and after getting to know your teacher, you may have a connection to get an apprenticeship.

Finally, take courses in basic woodworking at a trade school. Having basic skills will give you a head start over any other person trying to become a luthier.

Just remember, any edge in the business will give you a step forward and could lead you towards a really cool career.