Want To Learn How To Build Guitars? NCAT Have The Course For You
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Want To Learn How To Build Guitars? NCAT Have The Course For You

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Program manager Bon Nardella leads a team of highly experienced teaching staff to deliver the program, accompanied by a selection of specialist guest speakers. Tours to industry locations, including Maton Australia and Cole Clark Guitars are also an integral part of the course. As a professional component of the program, students are given the opportunity to complete a five-day work placement with one of NCAT’s industry partners. Many of the graduating students are successful in gaining employment with either of these two major manufacturers. Alternatively, graduates can work as a guitar technician – having obtained the skills and knowledge to provide setup and repair work – or as an independent luthier. Graduating students also leave with their own hand-built Tele style electric, dreadnaught acoustic, or a custom-designed guitar.

As NCAT is a government-funded program there are no tuition fees, with costs incurred by students limited to materials charged. Students up to the age of 21 can access the program for $2500. This covers all of the materials and access to equipment. Mature age students are also welcome.

The college has a state-of-the-art technology centre, filled with high-end machinery including CNC routers and a number of laser machines. These sit alongside traditional woodworking and guitar making equipment. This gives students the opportunity to gain exposure to traditional instrument making methods, right through to the latest mass production processes. The instrument making philosophy at NCAT exposes students to both ends of the guitar construction spectrum, empowering them with the knowledge to utilise all methodologies appropriately.

 

In addition to the full-time programs, NCAT are now offering evening guitar and ukulele building classes, as well as a ten-day Italian guitar making experience in Verona.

At this year’s Melbourne Guitar Show NCAT will be exhibiting at stand #A29 on level one, in the acoustic area. Staff and students will be available for enquiries and discussions relating to the program. Displays will demonstrate all of the processes involved in guitar and ukulele construction, while hands on demonstrations in neck shaping, brace carving and more will also be conducted onsite.

 

NCAT are hosting an information night on Tuesday August 9. Enquires can be made by contacting the college or visiting the NCAT website at ncat.vic.edu.au, where direct online application can be made. Catch NCAT at the Melbourne Guitar Show at stand #A29.