Timeless Instruments' School of Luthiery

Timeless Instruments provides a fully equipped workshop for individuals to learn the skills knowledge and source of Lutherie, so they can continue to refine their abilities on their own. Our seven-week training program allows students to learn the art of Lutherie as they design and build their own instrument.

The student must be 19 years of age and have grade 12. The applicant may also be accepted as a Mature Student after a thorough review.

Upcoming Course Dates:

August 31 to Oct 16, 2009
Oct. 26 to Dec 11, 2009
February 22 to April 9, 2010
April 26 to June 11, 2010


Luthier Training Application Form

Click here for a full brochure on our Luthier training programs

There is a maximum of seven students per training session. The training is taught in a step by step procedure. Each step consists of:

• Lecture, during which the students are expected to take notes
• Demonstration of work methods
• Actual planning and work of that step by the student

Build your own guitar in 7 weeks of hands on training. Learn design, parts, assembly, finishing and set-up...................$3400.00 Cdn.
Accommodations $350.00 for 7 weeks
Lutherie Certification upon completion.

Upon successful completion of the core program. Acoustic guitar Training Students may apply for further training under the following options:

1. Resophonic Guitar
2. Celtic/ Irish Folk Harp

These options are designed to develop the student's knowledge and skills of lutherie.

RESOPHONIC GUITAR OPTION:

• Learn design and structural differences of a resophonic guitar to the core program by building a wooden Dobro resonator guitar or a Hawaiian Lap style guitar.
• Upon completion of the second instrument, students will have a stonger concept of the acoustic and structural balances of an instrument.
• The option runs for 7 weeks, with 20 hours of instruction per week. There will be lectures, consultation and guidance to aid the student in their work.
• The cost for materials and supplies is $800.00 canadian and there is an additional charge of $1800.00 for instruction and shop overhead.
• The total cost of the option is $2600.00 canadian.
• Students will be evaluated on ability to anticipate and rectify acoustical and structural problems, design capabilities, skill with tools and materials and their knowledge of the completed instrument.

CELTIC / IRISH FOLK HARP OPTION

This option also runs for 7 weeks, with 20 hours per week of instruction, lectures and necessary guidance. The cost for materials is $800.00 Canadian and there is and additional charge of $1800.00 for instruction and shop overhead. The total cost is $2600.00 canadian.

Firstly the Student will study various different harp styles and sizes. Theory consists of understanding the critical relationship of the sound box, pillar and bow angles. Also learn how to focus on structural and accoustical balance on the Pillar and Post. The student will also learn joining, bracing, stringing, tuning and finishing.

Upcoming Course Dates:

• Aug 31 to Oct 16, 2009
• Oct 26 to Dec 11, 2009
• February 22 to April 9, 2010
• April 26 to June 11, 2010

THE SELF TRAIN PROGRAM

Self train is a follow up to the core program to allow students to develop skills in their area of interest. It saves the student the expense of setting up a shop while still having a skilled teacher nearby to guide them thru the difficult times. It demands the same intense hours as the core program. The student needs discipline to work on an independent basis. Using David Freeman only for consulting when necessary.

Using notes & knowledge gained in the Core Program The student can design & construct another instrument or practice repairing instruments. Inexpensive instruments are best to work on until confidence is acquired. The student is responsible for buying all the materials to build an instrument. These can be purchased separately or thru Timeless Instruments.

It is necessary to attend the Acoustic Guitar Construction Program as a prerequisite for the Self Train Program. This program is not suited for everyone. All applicants will be reviewed by Timeless Instruments before being accepted. In the event the student is not performing to an acceptable level they will be asked to withdraw from the program. If you plan to build an acoustic guitar you should allow at least four weeks attendance. Entrance to the Self Train depends on shop space availability. Students may attend for the number of weeks they choose provided there is vacancy. There is a maximum of seven students to keep the student teacher ratio low.

The tuition for Self Train is $95.00 a week for space only.. Project materials are over & above that.

SOME SELF TRAIN PROJECTS STUDENTS DO:

• Acoustic guitar with a cutaway. This allows the student to solidify the process already learned & add the extra step of planning a cutaway into the process. Allow 4 to 7 weeks.
• Arch –top or Flattop Mandolin This is another instruments altogether learning the carving of the top & back plates to expand the knowledge of arched instruments. Allow 4 to 7 weeks.
• Arched-top Guitar This is an extension of guitar building with a challenge to carve the plates . It is a big project & needs time to do it. Allow 6 to 10 weeks.
• Repair Anyone wanting to develop their repair skills can pick the number of weeks to do the specific jobs they have in mind. Consultation with the Instructor about the amount of time necessary will help plan this out .
• Electric Guitar Design , or copy . play with finishes. Allow 3 to 5 weeks.
• Dulcimers either an Appalachain ( 2 to 3 weeks )or a Hammered dulcimer( 4 to 6 weeks)
• Irish Bouzouki or Cittern A nice alternative to a Guitar. Allow 3 to 7 weeks

IF YOU HAVE ANY OTHER INSTRUMENT YOU WISH TO TRY, CONSULT WITH DAVID FREEMAN ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF WORKING IN THIS PROGRAM.

HOUSING

Timeless Instruments offers students a modestly furnished two story house for renting while they attend the course. The house has complete kitchen with dining facilities. It has a stove, microwave , 2 fridges & a freezer. There is a clothes washer and dryer, a Bathroom with a shower. There are three bedrooms, two have two beds and a larger room has three beds. Students should bring their own bedding & towels. The rent for seven weeks is $350.00CDN. The rent for Self Train is $60.00per week. If students wish to rent other accommodations there are other options in Tugaske as well.

To inquire about these classes, drop us an email at david@timelessinstruments.com, or call us Toll Free at 1-888-884-2753 (TUG-ASKE)
Or fill out our online Luthier Training Application Form