Musical Instrument Technology (Bachelor)

Combining traditional handcraftsmanship with modern research approaches, the Department of Musical Instrument Making in Markneukirchen offers students a highly regarded program that finetunes practical skills, deepens theoretical knowledge and encourages experimentation. Well-equipped workshops, an extensive library, a state of the art acoustic testing centre and modern laboratories and seminar rooms are available for our students in our historical art nouveau villa in Markneukirchen.

Through fundamental courses in acoustics, musicology, technical mechanics and materials science as well as design, woodcarving techniques and restoration, the knowledge and skills required to design and produce high-quality, artistic instruments are taught. Projects, discussions and research work encourage students to experiment with and discover new techniques and processes or to study classical models in order to make informed decisions about their own designs. This combination of traditional handcraftsmanship and modern research approaches ensures the program is up-to-date with the changing demands of the profession.

Plucked instrument making

The German and Spanish styled classic guitar models are central to teaching in the Plucked Instrument Making program. In the higher semesters, students also examine the historical plucked instruments in the lute and guitar family.

Stringed instrument making

Violins, violas and violoncellos are the focus of the Stringed Instrument Making program. In the higher semesters, students also study the classical instruments of the Viola-da-bracio or the Viola-da-Gamba family. Modules on bow making and repair and restoring stringed instruments are also offered.

degreeBachelor of Arts (B. A.)
profiles / focus
  • Stringed instrument making
  • Plucked instrument making
type of programme full-time programme
semester start winter semester
no. of semesters / ECTS-Credits 8 semester / 240 ECTS
admission requirements
  • University entrance qualification (Abitur, advanced technical college entrance qualification, advancement qualification, successful entrance exam, etc.)
  • In exceptional cases, in the case of special talent, the Abitur and proof of the technical college entrance qualification can be waived
  • Subject-specific journeyman examination (violin maker, plucked instrument maker)
  • Language requirements for non-native speakers: German B1
  • Proof of practical work in the field of musical instrument making, usually subject-specific vocational training with a journeyman's qualification (in violin making, plucked string instrument making, bow making or similar), an internship or work in musical instrument making. Knowledge of playing an instrument is desirable.
  • passed aptitude test
    admission restriction aptitude test required
    tuition fees no tuition fees / semester fee only
    course languageGerman
    accreditation

    To the Accreditation Council website

    Our graduates are equipped with the necessary practical and business skills to gain employment or self-employment within the profession. Other career options include educating and training musical instrument makers, working in restoration or music pedagogy and management positions in musical instrument businesses, distribution and sales.

    Contact

    Ms Elke Kunze

    International prospective students
    International full-time students

    Paul-Kirchhoff-Bau (PKB), room 230a
    +49 375 536 1061

    study[at]fh-zwickau.de

     

    International Office

    Secretary
    Katrin Jugelt
    Paul-Kirchhoff-Bau (PKB), room 230
    +49 375 536 1068
    +49 375 536 1063
    international.office[at]fh-zwickau.de

    Postal address
    Westsächsische Hochschule Zwickau
    International Office
    Kornmarkt 1
    08056 Zwickau

    Adress for visitors
    Paul-Kirchhoff-Bau (PKB)
    Dr.-Friedrichs Ring 2A
    rooms 228/230/230a (above the canteen)