This is the only program in the USA that leads to "Certification" in this specialty profession

"Apprentice" programs available

Curriculum: College-level studies at total-proficiency standard

Certification: "Accordion-Family Instruments Repair Technician Specialist"

Schedules: * Write for Student Handbook and further information

* Month-long seminars individually scheduled

• Nine separate seminars result in certification
• Mon-Thurs: 8:00 AM-4:00 and 7:30-8:30 PM daily hours
• Expert instructors: Helmi Harrington, Ph.D.; Gary Harvell, E.E.
• Guest instructors; Field Trips
• All accordion-family instruments comprehensively taught by era of production, brand of manufacture, performance, theory
• Primary topics: tuning, machine (treble and bass) types, specialized studies, bellows repair, reed qualities, acoustics theory, accordion literature, methods (performance) classes, care and maintenance, shipping, amplification, MIDI

ARTS Repair Shop * Actual shop experience

• Work with real customers: evaluate, appraise, service
• Multiple levels of service: Regular Maintenance, Professional, Museum Quality

Shop Procedures * Useful/necessary tools and machines for your shop

• Employability skills vs. Self-employment attributes
• Shop-logs: time-keeping vs. per-job charges
• Customer relations
• Industry Standards: Era-of-production and Quality Standards
• Quality of Instrument Standards: Beginner, Intermediate, Professional, Fine and World-Class Instruments

Parts Available * Replacement parts from around the world and many eras of accordion

Production

ARTS Files * Procedure sheets and study guides

• Specialty research projects

Lists of Certified Repair Technicians

Community Service * Live-workshop presentations for selected events

Donations are welcome:

Instruments and Parts