Lutherie Schools List
If you dream of becoming a guitar maker or repair expert, a lutherie school is one of the best ways to gain hands-on experience. While some luthiers start through self-study or apprenticeships, formal schools provide structured training, expert instructors, and access to specialized tools and facilities.
Below, you’ll find a comprehensive list of lutherie schools worldwide — plus insights into how to choose the right program, what skills you’ll learn, and what to expect from a career in lutherie.
Why Attend a Lutherie School?
- Hands-On Training: Work directly with instruments, wood, and finishing materials.
- Mentorship: Learn from experienced luthiers who have built and repaired guitars for decades.
- Professional Facilities: Access tools and equipment that most beginners don’t have at home.
- Career Opportunities: Schools often connect students with apprenticeships, repair shops, or even major guitar manufacturers.
How to Choose the Right Lutherie School
When comparing schools, consider:
- Location — Do you want to study locally or abroad?
- Length of Program — Short workshops vs. multi-year programs.
- Specialties — Acoustic building, electric building, violin family, etc.
- Facilities & Tools — Does the school provide everything, or do you bring your own?
- Reputation & Alumni Success — Look at student reviews and graduate outcomes.
Lutherie Schools Worldwide
United States
American School of Lutherie (Portland, OR)
Founded by Charles Fox, the American School of Lutherie is a respected program offering intensive workshops in acoustic guitar construction. Courses focus on traditional methods, voicing, and craftsmanship, with options for both beginners and advanced builders.
American School of Lutherie
2745 SW Scenic Drive
Portland, OR 97225
503-292-2385
Atlanta Guitar Works School of Building and Repair (Snellville, GA)
This school combines hands-on guitar building with a strong emphasis on repair skills. Students learn acoustic and electric guitar setup, maintenance, and advanced techniques for professional careers.
Atlanta Guitar Works School of Building and Repair
1874 Webb Gin House Road
Snellville, GA 30078
404-245-4527
ARC Guitar Building School (Winters, CA)
ARC specializes in small class sizes and personalized instruction. Programs guide students through the full process of acoustic guitar construction, with attention to detail and wood selection.
ARC Guitar Building School
308 Railroad Avenue
Winters, CA 95694
530-795-1795
The Art of Lutherie (St. Louis, MO)
A unique program that blends hands-on building with an emphasis on design philosophy and artistry. Students learn not just how to build guitars, but how to create instruments that reflect their own creative vision.
9712 Radio Dr
St. Louis, MO 63123
314-631-1435
Augusta Heritage Center of Davis & Elkins College (Elkins, WV)
Best known for its heritage arts programs, Augusta offers workshops in instrument building and repair, led by experienced luthiers and musicians. Programs often focus on Appalachian traditions and folk instruments.
Augusta Heritage Center of Davis & Elkins College
Jennings Randolph Hall, 1st Floor
100 Campus Drive
Elkins, WV 26241
304-637-1209
304-637-1317 (fax)
Berkshire Stringed Instruments School of Lutherie (North Adams, MA)
BSI provides comprehensive training in guitar and fretted instrument building. Programs are designed for both hobbyists and those seeking a professional path.
Berkshire Stringed Instruments School of Lutherie
121 Union Street
North Adams, MA 01247
413-663-0870
Cascade School of Lutherie (Asheville, NC)
This school emphasizes craftsmanship and repair skills for working professionals. Courses include repair, setup, and construction for guitars and mandolins.
Cascade School of Lutherie
Asheville, NC
828-450-5440
Chicago School of Guitar Making (Chicago, IL)
Run by the Chicago Fret Works team, this program specializes in repair and setup training. Students gain real-world shop experience with guitars and fretted instruments.
Chicago School of Guitar Making
1240 N Homan Ave
Chicago, IL 60651
773-489-4830
specimenproducts.com/the-chicago-school-of-guitar-making/
Chicago School of Violin Making (Skokie, IL)
A full-time professional program for violin makers, with a strong tradition of handcraft and repair. Students train under master luthiers and learn every aspect of violin family instruments.
Chicago School of Violin Making
3636 Oakton St
Skokie, IL 60076
847-673-9545
847-673-9546 (fax)
Colorado School of Lutherie (Denver, CO)
Focused on acoustic guitar building, this school offers short-term and extended programs. Students work one-on-one with instructors to complete instruments from start to finish.
1457 S Broadway
Denver, CO 80210
303-777-7411
de Houtwinkel Utah School of Lutherie (Logan, UT)
Specializes in acoustic guitar and ukulele building. The curriculum covers design, woodworking, and finishing, with opportunities for students to complete their own instruments.
de Houtwinkel Utah School of Lutherie
144 E 300 S
Logan, UT 84321
dehoutwinkel.com/utah-school-of-lutherie/
Eastern School of Fretted Instrument Repair (Freehold, NJ)
Dedicated to repair, this program trains students in setups, fretwork, electronics, and restoration. Graduates are prepared to start their own repair businesses or join established shops.
Eastern School of Fretted Instrument Repair
3352 US Hwy 9 South
Freehold, NJ 07728
732-866-9029
Eric Schaefer Guitars (Bernville, PA)
Eric Schaefer’s school offers intensive guitar-building workshops, including acoustic and ukulele construction. Small classes provide individualized attention in a hands-on studio environment.
Eric Schaefer Guitars
166 Tulpehocken St
Bernville, PA 19506
610-639-2777
Finocchio Guitarworks (Easton, PA)
Provides workshops and one-on-one classes in guitar repair and construction. Known for a strong focus on playability and practical skills.
Finocchio Guitarworks
20 South Maple St
Easton, PA 18042
610-258-5154
Fretted Strings Lutherie School (Davis, CA)
This program provides hands-on instruction in guitar building and setup, with an emphasis on fretted string instruments. Students often complete full acoustic guitars.
Fretted Strings Lutherie School
231 G Street, Studio 27
Davis, CA 95616
530-304-1886
frettedstrings.com (Be sure they are currently accepting students at this time.)
Galloup School of Lutherie (Big Rapids, MI)
One of the most respected schools in the U.S., Galloup offers everything from basic repair classes to advanced voicing and construction programs. Graduates often work in top repair shops or as independent builders.
Galloup School of Lutherie
10840 Northland Dr
Big Rapids, MI 49307
800-278-0089
Guitar Repair Business Starter (Alexandria, VA)
A practical program designed to teach essential repair skills quickly. Ideal for musicians or hobbyists looking to start offering repair services.
guitarrepairbusinessstarter.com/home-page/
The Guitar Services Workshop (Nashville, TN)
Located in the heart of Music City, this school provides professional-level repair training. Students gain experience with a wide range of fretted instruments.
Hamm-tone Guitars & School of Lutherie (Parker, CO)
Specializes in acoustic guitar and mandolin building. Students receive one-on-one instruction and complete instruments under the guidance of a professional luthier.
jeremyhamm.ca/luthier-school.html
Parsons Guitar Repair School (Mechanicville, NY)
This repair-focused program prepares students for real-world work in repair shops. Training includes setups, fretwork, electronics, and custom modifications.
parsonsguitarrepairschool.com/
Red Rocks Community College – School of Fine Woodworking and Lutherie (Lakewood, CO)
A subset of their fine woodworking program, this formal college program combines woodworking fundamentals with lutherie training. Students study design, construction, and finishing in a structured academic environment.
rrcc.edu/academic-programs/fine-woodworking
Roberto-Venn School of Luthiery (Phoenix, AZ)
One of the longest-running lutherie schools in the world, Roberto-Venn offers intensive five-month programs in acoustic and electric guitar building. Graduates are highly sought after in the industry.
Southeast Technical College – Guitar Repair and Building Program (Red Wing, MN)
Part of Minnesota State, this program provides in-depth training in repair and construction. Students gain strong technical foundations and professional readiness.
southeastmn.edu/program/Guitar-Repair-Building/
Southeast Guitar Repair (Buford, GA)
A repair-focused workshop offering hands-on training in guitar setup and maintenance.
southeastguitarrepair.com/ship-a-guitar-copy-1
Vermont Instruments School of Lutherie (Post Mills, VT)
This program offers personalized instruction in guitar making, with students completing instruments from start to finish. Known for small class sizes and mentorship.
Violin Making School of America (Salt Lake City, UT)
A full-time professional program in violin construction and restoration. Students spend years training under master violin makers.
Violin Making School of America
304 East 200 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
801-643-0698
Wood Street Guitar Repair (Oakland, CA)
Focused on repair and setup, this program provides practical training for those interested in working in guitar service.
Canada
Blackwood Guitar Co. (Mallorytown, Ontario)
Offers custom guitar building courses and workshops. Students learn acoustic construction techniques in a small, personalized setting.
Blackwood Guitar Co.
340 County Road 5
Mallorytown, ON
K0E 1R0
Canada
613-292-1985
Dragonfly Guitars (Gibsons, British Columbia)
Runs workshops in acoustic guitar construction with close mentorship and an emphasis on fine woodworking.
Dragonfly Guitars
1002 Chaster Rd
Gibsons, BC
V0N 1V4
Canada
604-741-1056
dragonflyguitars.com/wp/luthier-course/
Geary Guitar Works (Toronto, Ontario)
Provides instruction in repair and maintenance of fretted instruments. Known for practical, shop-focused learning.
Geary Guitar Works
116 Geary Ave 107B
Toronto, ON M6H 3A7
Canada
416-579-4880
gearyguitarworks.com (Ensure that classes are currently being offered at this time.)
Timeless Instruments (Tugaske, Saskatchewan)
Operating for decades, Timeless Instruments provides courses in acoustic guitar building and repair. Students learn traditional construction techniques in a hands-on environment.
timelessinstruments.com/contents/en-ca/d23_Lutherie_Training.html
Whitney School of Guitar Building (Summerland, British Columbia)
Offers guitar building courses designed for hobbyists and aspiring professionals. Students complete instruments during the program.
Europe
De Haan Guitars – Dutch School for Guitar Making (Alkmaar, Netherlands)
Provides instruction in guitar building with a focus on both acoustic and electric instruments. Small-group classes emphasize European craftsmanship traditions.
De Haan Guitars - Dutch School for Guitar Making
Koelmalaan 310
1813 JE Alkmaar
Netherlands
+31 06 5372 1328
Escuela Taller de Construcción de Guitarras Pavel Gavryushov (Granada, Spain)
The Pavel Gavryushov School of Guitar Making in Granada, Spain, is an internationally respected workshop led by Pavel Gavryushov, a master luthier with over 25 years of experience. The school is known for its hands-on, immersive courses that cater to both beginners and advanced students interested in classical and flamenco guitar construction.
Escuela Taller de Construcción de Guitarras Pavel Gavryushov
- Solares, 50, Bajo 1
18009 Granada
Spain
WhatsApp +34 693 106 632
Pablo Requena Spanish Guitar Making Course (Málaga, Spain)
An apprenticeship-style program led by Pablo Requena, focusing on classical and flamenco guitar construction. Students learn traditional Spanish methods.
Pablo Requena Spanish Guitar Making Course
Arroyo Totalan 6
Bloque 15, Bajo D
La Cala del Moral
29720
Malaga, Spain
+34 692701857
Stratmann Gitarren (Hannover, Germany)
A school offering courses in acoustic and electric guitar making, emphasizing German craftsmanship and precision.
Stratmann Gitarren
Oesterleystrasse 12a
30171 Hannover
Germany
+49 0511 702565
Totnes School of Guitarmaking (Totnes, Devon, England, UK)
Runs 12-week programs where each student builds their own steel-string guitar. The school emphasizes traditional handwork and precision.
Totnes School of Guitarmaking
Collins Road
Totnes, Devon
TQ9 5PJ
England
+44 01803 865255
totnesschoolofguitarmaking.co.uk
South America
Federal University of Paraná – Curso de Tecnologia em Construção de Instrumentos Musicais (Curitiba, Brazil)
A university-level program in instrument construction. Students receive both academic instruction and hands-on training in lutherie.
Curso de Tecnologia em Construtpo de Instrumentos Musicais û Luteria
Universidade Federal do Parana
Prata Santos Andrade, 50
80020-300 Curitiba PR
Brazil
+55 041 3310 2828
Middle East
I-8010 Algranati Guitar Making School (Ramat Hasharon, Israel)
Offers guitar building and repair courses in Israel, blending traditional methods with modern approaches. Students complete their own instruments during training.
Algranati Guitar Making School
22 Usishkin St
47210 Ramat Hasharon
Israel
Building Your Future in Guitar Making
At StewMac, we’re passionate about supporting luthiers at every stage of their journey. Along with this list of schools, we offer a full range of luthier tools, parts, and resources to help you practice and perfect your craft. Wherever you decide to learn, you’ll be joining a long tradition of builders and repairers who keep the music alive, one instrument at a time.
