Standard length of full-time training 3 years of full-time training. To be accepted one must fulfill the application requirements and pass the selection procedure.

Programme objective

Practical skills and comprehensive theoretical knowledge in the areas of modern and historical brass instrument making, repairing and restoration are taught at the full-time vocational school. The apprentices gain a high level of craftmanship and are capable of drafting and building new high quality brass instruments at the end of the programme.

Practical training

Making of new brass instruments including mechanical parts and bell construction, raw material techniques, surface treatments, mechanism adjustment, repair methods. Teaching is done in small groups.

Trade-related education

In-depth brass instrument making theory, technical drawing, mathematics, physics/acoustics, specialized English, technical drawing using CAD.

General education

Art, art history, music theory, music history, German, social studies.

Musical training

Private music lessons, ensemble rehearsals, orchestra.

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Programme objective and career prospects

The state vocational school teaches practical skills as well as theoretical knowledge in the areas of modern and historical brass instrument making. These courses are meant to complement the daily training which the apprentice receives in his or her workshop. The journeyman exam in brass instrument making takes place at the end of the dual training programme. The exam is held by the Chamber of Crafts. Brass instrument making journeymen either work as employees in brass instrument making workshops or become self-employed. They also qualify for taking the master craftsman exam.

Programme structure

The standard programme is 3 years, of which 32 weeks are classes at school divided into two blocks per year. The remaining time is spent in workshops as apprentices. Entry requirement: the apprentice’s workshop must register him or her annually before September 10th. After this date, the school will accept no more registrations. It is not possible to register for, or cancel specific educational blocks. There ist no tuition fee.

Practical training

Competent handling of tools, basic metalworking skills.

Trade-related education

In-depth brass instrument making theory, technical drawing, mathematics, physics/acoustics, specialized English, technical drawing using CAD.

General education

Art, art history, music theory, music history, German, social studies.

The intermediate exam takes place after the fourth vocational school period. The sixth period ends with the final vocational school exam.

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