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Luthier - Tier 1 (Early Career/Assistant Luthier)

Reports To: Shop Manager/Service Manager

Role Summary

Schmitt Music is seeking a Tier 1 Luthier to join the Paul A. Schmitt Violin Shop at our Bloomington, Minnesota headquarters. This entry-level role is designed for new graduates and early-career craftspeople who are passionate about orchestral string instruments and eager to build a long-term career in lutherie. The Tier 1 Luthier plays a key role in supporting students, educators, customers, and school music programs by helping ensure that violins, violas, cellos, and basses are properly set up, maintained, and prepared to Schmitt Music standards. This position combines hands-on craftsmanship, structured training, mentorship, and collaboration with Schmitt Music's core values: Serve Your Customer, Do What's Right, and Continuous Improvement.

Why Schmitt Music

For more than 125 years, Schmitt Music has existed for one purpose: to enrich lives by helping people make music. As a family-owned company and one of the region's leading music retailers and service providers, we support thousands of students, educators, families, and musicians each year. The Paul A. Schmitt Violin Shop is an important part of that mission. Our orchestral string team supports beginning students, advancing players, educators, and professional musicians through high-quality instruments, expert setup, and trusted repair service.

Every instrument that leaves a Schmitt Music bench supports a student's first lesson, a school orchestra's success, or a musician's next performance. We invest in luthiers the same way we invest in music education: for the long term.

Start Your Career Where Craftsmanship and Education Meet.

The Tier 1 Luthier role is designed for individuals beginning their professional journey in orchestral string instrument setup, maintenance, and repair. This is an opportunity to take your training, craftsmanship, and love of string instruments and apply them in a professional shop environment with clear expectations, hands-on mentorship, and room to grow. As a Tier 1 Luthier, your day is focused on learning, practicing, and building consistency. You will assist with the setup and maintenance of student-level violins, violas, cellos, and basses; help recondition company-owned orchestral string instruments; and perform basic repairs under the guidance of experienced luthiers. You will develop bench habits, learn Schmitt Music standards, and build the foundation needed for more advanced repair, restoration, bow work, and professional level setups.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up and maintain student-level orchestral string instruments, including violins, violas, cellos, and basses

• Recondition company-owned orchestral string instruments to Schmitt Music quality standards

• Perform basic repairs under the supervision and guidance of experienced luthiers

• Assist with instrument preparation to ensure consistent playability, sound, and presentation for students, educators, and customers

• Maintain accurate repair documentation, tagging, and tracking of instruments

• Care for instruments, tools, parts, and shop resources with professionalism and accountability

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe bench and workshop environment

• Participate in ongoing training to learn Schmitt Music setup, maintenance, and repair standards

• Support communication and workflow between the violin shop, retail teams, service staff, and school music representatives

• Identify opportunities to improve setup quality, repair flow, turnaround times, and consistency

What We're Looking For

• Graduate of a recognized luthier training program preferred, such as Minnesota State College Southeast / Red Wing or similar

• Prior experience in a violin shop, repair shop, woodworking environment, or fine craftsmanship setting preferred

• Background in music or familiarity with orchestral string instruments preferred

• Strong attention to detail and pride in craftsmanship

• Eagerness to learn, receive feedback, and grow within the field of lutherie

• Professional, collaborative, and customer-focused mindset

• Ability to follow established standards, ask good questions, and apply feedback consistently

• Strong organizational habits and ability to support seasonal repair and school-service demands

Tuition Reimbursement - Investing in Your Education Schmitt Music is proud to offer a tuition reimbursement program for qualified Tier 1 Luthiers. We believe the cost of learning a skilled trade should not be a barrier to building a meaningful career in instrument repair. This program is designed to help reduce student loan burden while rewarding commitment, performance, and long-term growth with Schmitt Music. For graduates of approved luthier training programs, tuition reimbursement may be available based on eligibility requirements, continued employment, and performance standards.

Why This Role Is Different

• Entry-level opportunity to begin a professional career in lutherie

• Hands-on training with experienced luthiers in a supportive shop environment

• Clear pathway for growth into more complex setup, repair, restoration, bow work, and upper-line instrument service

• Opportunity to support students, educators, and musicians through meaningful craftsmanship •

Tuition reimbursement available for qualified graduates

• Long-term career potential within a family-owned, values-driven company

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Hands-on, workshop-based environment

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods at a repair bench

• Manual dexterity required for detailed, precision setup and repair work

• Frequent hand use and close visual attention to detail

• Ability to lift and move instruments and cases as needed

• Occasional bending, kneeling, or reaching may be required

Note: This job description is not intended to cover every responsibility or task associated with the position and may evolve over time.

Schmitt Music is an equal opportunity employer. At Schmitt Music Company, we recognize and appreciate the importance of creating an environment in which all Team Members feel valued, included, and empowered to do their best work and bring great ideas to the company. We recognize that each Team Member's unique experiences, perspectives, and viewpoints add value to our ability to create and deliver the best musical products and services to our customers.