How do you become a flute tech?

LimuHead · Post by **LimuHead** » Tue Feb 20, 2007 12:16 pm

Does anyone know anything about becoming a flute tech?

Are there schools or books or some certifying board or something?

I'd mainly like to be able to clean, adjust, and repad my own flutes, but I'd consider working on other people's flutes too.

So does anyone know how to get started?

Thanks!

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Tue Feb 20, 2007 6:54 pm

There are booklets you can get, as well as classes that can be extremely useful, but unless you want to install Straubinger pads or the like, no certifcation is necessary to my knowledge. Booklets can be had from Burkart and Landell, although there are probably others, and Landell also offers courses in flute repair and maintainance. He strongly suggests that aspiring techs/flute builders (I actually fall in this category too) attend a techinical school so that they can learn to operate the machinery that's common in the trade. To become a fulll fledged tech, it is a good idea to apprentice with an established tech. This both gets your name out there, and allows you to see all the wierd problems and their solutions that aren't listed in basic books. Since your main goal is to work on your own flutes doing basic maintainance, I would encourage you to check out Landell's courses...I have attended them, and aside from being very enlightening, they're great fun (Plus Jon is always willing to play a duet or two with you during a break in the work!).

Mark · Post by **Mark** » Tue Feb 20, 2007 9:35 pm

and if you are in North Texas, UNT offers a course in instrument repair.

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Tue Feb 20, 2007 9:57 pm

I'm actually considering doing a little bit of study with the top notch tech around here, and was going to email him either this week or the next if he would consider it.

But yes, classes are a good option, and reading pamphlets are good. There is a book by Phelan that is all about flute repair. My studio teacher has a copy of it, and I think I will ask to borrow it.

LimuHead · Post by **LimuHead** » Wed Feb 21, 2007 1:49 pm

Thanks for the leads!

I found a book on line by Burkart-Phelan called "The Complete Guide to Flute & Piccolo 2nd edition." It cost $35 including shipping. I should have it by next week. Here's the link:

http://www.burkart.com/book/book.htm?si ... Y0eDE7P1i7

I'm still searching for the pamphlets mentioned, though. (My google skills are severely lacking.)

Any ideas on how to get my hands on those?

I'm also going to look into any college type courses.

Thanks again!

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Wed Feb 21, 2007 5:53 pm

Yep. That's the book I was talking about.