This unique program prepares students for employment in the band instrument repair and service trade. Students will learn how to repair, maintain and adjust woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments typically used in big bands. The program also teaches work safety, how to handle hazardous materials, and how to find work in this industry.
Enrollment Point: Fall

All program lengths are estimates and are not guarantees. For the most current program information, check with an adviser by calling (425) 235-5840.
These amounts are based on median entry level wages, they are estimates and are not guarantees. For more information, visit careerinfo.net
Tuition
At Renton Technical College, tuition is affordable and competitive.
Financial Aid
Federal aid is available for most students to help pay for school. Fill out your FAFSA now to get started.
Scholarships
The RTC Foundation offers scholarships to help pay the costs of attending school.
All costs are estimates and are not guarantees. For the most current program information, check with an adviser by calling (425) 235-5840.
Entry Requirements
Admission Requirements
- Please contact instructor Jessica Ganska for an admission interview.
- Experience playing at least one brass or woodwind instrument.
- High School Diploma or GED.
- Ability to lift heavy instruments.
Course Information
Requirements for Certificate:
Course # | Course Title | Credits |
COL 101 | College Success | 2 |
BIR 101* | Introduction to Band Instrument Repair/Human Relations | 2 |
BIR 103 | Band Instrument Safety, Cleaning and Sanitization | 3 |
BIR 104 | Soldering and Brazing Techniques | 2 |
BIR 115 | Dent Removal Techniques | 2 |
BIR 122 | The Percussion Instruments | 1 |
BIR 123 | Woodwind Padding Techniques | 4 |
BIR 124 | Clarinet Family Repair Techniques | 6 |
BIR 125 | Saxophone Family Repair Techniques | 6 |
BIR 126 | Flute Family Repair Techniques | 6 |
BIR 130 | Advanced Woodwind Repair Techniques | 3 |
BIR 134 | Woodwind Performance and Testing Techniques | 1 |
BIR 135 | Piston Valve Instrument Repair Techniques | 2 |
BIR 136 | Advanced Brass Repair Techniques | 3 |
BIR 137 | Rotary Valve Instrument Repair Techniques | 2 |
BIR 138 | Trombone Repair Techniques | 4 |
BIR 144 | Brasswind Performance and Testing Techniques | 1 |
BIR 150 | Capstone Project in Band Instrument Repair | 2 |
BIR 161* | Mathematics for Band Instrument Repair | 1 |
BIR 173* | Written and Oral Communications for Band Instrument Repair | 3 |
BIR 188* | Employment Skills for Band Instrument Repair | 1 |
BIR 191 | String Instrument Repair for Band Instrument Repair | 4 |
BIR 192* | Machining Topics for Band Instrument Repair | 4 |
Total | 65 |
*Denotes courses that include related instruction (communication, computation, and human relations).
Requirements for AAS Degree:
Course # | Course Title | Credits |
Certificate of Completion | 65 | |
AMATH 175 | Financial Math or | |
AMATH 190 | Financial Algebra | 5 |
CMST 280 | Intercultural Communication or | |
CMST& 101 | Introduction to Communication | 5 |
COMP 100 | Applied Composition or | |
ENGL& 101 | English Composition | 5 |
PSYC& 100 | General Psychology | 5 |
Approved General Education – Humanities | 5 | |
Total | 90 |
Approved General Education – Humanities
Course # | Course Title | Credits |
ART& 100 | Art Appreciation | 5 |
CMST 280 | Intercultural Communication | 5 |
CMST& 101 | Introduction to Communication | 5 |
CMST& 220 | Public Speaking | 5 |
ENGL& 111 | Introduction to Literature | 5 |
ENGL& 254 | World Literature | 5 |
HUM& 101 | Introduction to Humanities | 5 |
MUSC& 105 | Music Appreciation | 5 |
PHIL& 101 | Introduction to Philosophy | 5 |
SPAN& 121 | Spanish I | 5 |
Program Outcomes
Learning Outcomes for Band Instrument Repair Technology Program:
- Perform padding and adjusting of woodwinds and cleaning soldering and dent removal of both brass and woodwinds
- Equip and maintain shop
- Interact with integrity and adaptability
- Evaluate and diagnose musical instruments
Accreditation
External accreditation is not applicable to this program.
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