Band Instrument Repair Certificate & AAS
Here is a general overview of what your classes will look like following each quarter. This information may be subject to change at any time without notice, please contact your adviser for more information regarding the courses.
General Overview
When can I start? Fall (September)
How long is the program?
- 3 quarters (9 months) for the certificate with 65 total credits
- 5 quarters (up to 17 months) for the AAS with 90 total credits
When do classes meet? Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.
There are just three band instrument repair programs at colleges in the United States, and one of the best is offered at Renton Technical College! You learn to clean, repair, maintain and adjust instruments belonging to the woodwind, brass, and percussion families.
To enroll in the Band Instrument Repair Technology program, you need to have experience playing at least one brass or woodwind instrument.
What does a musical instrument repairer and tuner do?
What is the average salary?
$43,510 annually Links to an external site. in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area, but jobs are available all over the United States. RTC graduates work across the country with a pay rate between $16.00 to $20.00 per hour. Most musical instrument repairers and tuners in King County earn at least $36,250; there is a wide salary range.
Who can I contact with questions?
- New students, please contact instructor Jessica Ganska for an admission interview.
- Visit our Zoom lobby (Links to an external site.) to talk with someone by video chat, or e-mail our advising department.
- For current students, please visit RTC's advising page (Links to an external site and look for the faculty counselor assigned to Band Instrument Repair Technology.
Overall Materials Needed:
- Tools and supplies (approximately $2,850 in 2022)
- Functioning laptop or computer
- Working internet connection
- Uniform shirts (2) in sky blue ($50)
The tool list ($2,300 to $2,850) is revised yearly and available to students in June who are signed up for the fall quarter start.
You must pass all BIR classes with a 2.7 GPA or higher.
Optional Courses to Get Ahead
- COL 101 (College Success) so you don't take it in the fall quarter
- AMATH 175 or AMATH 190 (Financial Math or Financial Algebra) to get started on your AAS requirements
- COMP 100 or ENGL& 101 (Applied Composition or English Composition) to sharpen your writing skills
Materials Warning
Some materials on this page are listed as TBD, which means that the materials have yet to be determined. Please consult your instructor on what textbooks or materials are required for the class.
Quarter 1 Classes (Fall)
| Course ID | Course Name | Materials | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| COL 101 | College Success | NO | 2 |
| BIR 101 | Introduction to Band Instrument Repair / Human Relations | TBD | 1 |
| BIR 103 | Band Instrument Cleaning and Sanitization | TBD | 2 |
| BIR 104 | Soldering and Brazing Techniques | TBD | 2 |
| BIR 123 | Woodwind Padding Techniques | YES | 4 |
| BIR 161 | Mathematics for Band Instrument Repair | NO | 3 |
| BIR 191 | String Instrument Repair for Band Instrument Repair | YES | 4 |
| BIR 192 | Machining Topics for Band Instrument Repair | TBD | 4 |
| Estimated Tuition and Fees: $3,061 |
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Quarter 2 Classes (Winter)
| Course ID | Course Name | Materials | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIR 115 | Dent Removal Techniques | YES | 2 |
| BIR 122 | The Percussion Instruments | TBD | 1 |
| BIR 124 | Clarinet Family Repair Techniques | YES | 6 |
| BIR 126 | Flute Family Repair Techniques | YES | 6 |
| BIR 134 | Woodwind Performance and Testing Techniques | TBD | 1 |
| BIR 135 | Piston Valve Instrument Repair Techniques | YES | 2 |
| BIR 137 | Rotary Valve Instrument Repair Techniques | TBD | 2 |
| BIR 144 | Brasswind Performance and Testing Techniques | TBD | 1 |
| Estimated Tuition and Fees: $2,954 |
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Quarter 3 Classes (Spring)
It's time to apply for your certificate! This quarter you can complete your certificate.
| Course ID | Course Name | Materials | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIR 125 | Saxophone Family Repair Techniques | YES | 6 |
| BIR 120 | Advanced Woodwind Repair Techniques | TBD | 3 |
| BIR 136 | Advanced Brass Repair Techniques | TBD | 3 |
| BIR 138 | Trombone Repair Techniques | YES | 4 |
| BIR 150 | Capstone Project in Band Instrument Repair | TBD | 2 |
| BIR 173 | Written and Oral Communication for Band Instrument Repair | TBD | 3 |
| BIR 188 | Employment Skills for Band Instrument Repair | TBD | 1 |
| Estimated Tuition and Fees: $3,026 | |||
Total Estimated Cost for Certificate of Completion: $11,682
Continue with Quarter 4 and Quarter 5 classes to earn your Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree.
Quarter 4 Classes (Summer)
If you have taken classes at another college, check with your adviser about transfer credit. You may have completed some of the 25 General Education credits already.
| Course ID | Course Name | Materials | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSYC& 100 | General Psychology or other social science class | varies by class | 5 |
| COMP 100 | Applied Composition or another communication or humanities class | varies by class | 5 |
| Estimated Tuition and Fees: $1,436 | |||
Quarter 5 Classes (Fall)
It's time to apply for your AAS degree! This quarter you can complete your Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree.
| Course ID | Course Name | Materials | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| AMATH 175 | Financial Math or another mathematics class | varies by class | 5 |
| MUSC& 105 | Music Appreciation or any General Education class | varies by class | 5 |
| BUS& 101 |
Introduction to Business or any General Education class |
varies by class | 5 |
| Estimated Tuition and Fees: $1,841 |
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Total Estimated Cost for Band Instrument Repair Technology AAS: $14,958
Not quite the path you want to take? Let's go back to the Program Map!