Part-Time String Instrument Luthier Apprentice
Bell's Music Shop, Inc.
Part-Time | 15–20 Hours per Week | Starting Pay: $15.00/hour
Bell's Music Shop, Inc. is seeking a part-time String Instrument Luthier Apprentice to train and work directly alongside our master luthier.
This is a hands-on apprenticeship focused specifically on violin-family and orchestral string instruments: violin, viola, cello, and upright bass. This is not a guitar repair position.
We are looking for someone who enjoys working with their hands, has excellent attention to detail, and is genuinely interested in learning the specialized craft of string instrument repair, setup, and restoration.
What You'll Learn
Working directly with our master luthier, you will receive hands-on instruction while assisting with the daily work of the repair shop. Training may include:
- Violin, viola, cello, and bass inspection and evaluation
- Instrument setup and adjustment
- Bridge fitting and adjustment
- Peg and fingerboard maintenance
- Bow and instrument maintenance
- Cleaning, polishing, and instrument preparation
- Basic repair and restoration techniques
- Proper use and care of specialized luthier tools
- Safe handling of customer and shop instruments
- More advanced repair techniques as your skills develop
Previous professional luthier experience is not required. This position is intended for someone who wants to learn the craft.
Korean Language Requirement
Conversational Korean proficiency is required for this position.
The apprentice will work directly with and receive hands-on instruction from our master luthier, whose primary language is Korean. The ability to understand and communicate in Korean is necessary for effective day-to-day training, technical instruction, and workshop communication.
Applicants of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Korean language proficiency is a communication requirement of the position; Korean nationality or ethnicity is not.
What We're Looking For
- Conversational proficiency in Korean
- Genuine interest in violin, viola, cello, and bass repair
- Excellent attention to detail
- Good hand-eye coordination and mechanical aptitude
- Patience and the ability to perform precise, careful work
- Willingness to learn through hands-on instruction
- Dependability and a strong work ethic
- Ability to maintain a consistent part-time schedule
- Respect for delicate and valuable musical instruments
Experience playing violin, viola, cello, or upright bass is a plus but not required.
Experience with woodworking, musical instrument repair, jewelry making, machining, model building, fine crafts, or other detailed hands-on work may also be helpful.
Position Details
Company: Bell's Music Shop, Inc.
Position: String Instrument Luthier Apprentice
Job Type: Part-Time
Hours: Approximately 15–20 hours per week
Starting Pay: $15.00 per hour
This is an opportunity to learn a highly specialized trade directly from an experienced master luthier. For the right person, we're looking for more than someone to simply fill part-time hours—we want someone who is interested in developing real skills and becoming increasingly capable in the craft.
How to Apply
Please submit your resume along with a short introduction telling us:
- Your level of Korean language proficiency
- Any experience you have with violin, viola, cello, or upright bass
- Any woodworking, repair, mechanical, artistic, or other hands-on experience
- Why you're interested in learning the craft of luthiery
We value patience, craftsmanship, reliability, and a willingness to learn. If that sounds like you, we'd like to hear from you.