Career Training Programs

We offer a supportive and stimulating learning environment for those who share a passion for craftsmanship. Our faculty are masters of their craft, who instill in students a sense of care in their work and commitment to excellence.

At the School’s core are nine full-time, professional Career Training programs, each of which offer intensive, hands-on training.

Bookbinding

The two-year Bookbinding program teaches students how to make, restore, and preserve books and other printed treasures. Students craft historic and modern binding structures, create and repair cloth, paper, and leather bindings, and more.

Cabinet & Furniture Making

The two-year Cabinet & Furniture Making program teaches fine craftsmanship through projects incorporating 18th- and 19th-century models. With these as a foundation, graduates can design and build furniture of any era.

Carpentry

Our Carpentry program encourages a commitment to excellence and a mastery of the craft. In nine months, students learn how to construct and renovate residential and commercial buildings from frame to finish.

Jewelry Making & Repair

The two-year Jewelry Making & Repair program attracts students from around the world who share a love of materials, artistic expression, and working with their hands to make jewelry that transcends time.

Locksmithing & Security Technology

In the hands-on, nine-month Locksmithing & Security Technology program, students jump-start a locksmithing career by studying with an experienced locksmith in small classes.

Piano Technology

We offer two nine-month courses—Basic Piano Technology and Advanced Piano Technology—both of which attract students who share a passion for music, problem solving and mechanics, and hand skills used to restore and care for beautiful musical instruments.

Preservation Carpentry

The two-year Preservation Carpentry program teaches time-honored skills and engages students who have a love of history, materials, and hand skills—to build, restore, and preserve beautiful structures that last.

Violin Making & Repair

The three-year Violin Making & Repair program provides a solid foundation to the art and science of stringed instrument making, exceptional craftsmanship, and an introduction to restoration.

These programs are structured with a focus on practical projects that increase in complexity as you move forward. This method encourages you to systematically develop your hand skills and understanding of tools, materials, and processes.

We teach and uphold the principles and practices of the craftsmanship tradition:

• Skillful use of hand tools and power equipment
• Informed choice of materials
• Creative problem-solving based on best practices
• A dedication to the highest quality work

Beyond hands-on work, you’ll also participate in lectures, reading assignments, field trips, and discussions. This provides context for the skills and ideas you’ll learn, making for a well-rounded learning experience.

In addition to our Career Training programs, we also offer Community Education courses for craftspeople of all ages and experience levels.

Program News

Welcoming Rick Hendricks LK ’18

November 21, 2025

Categories: Alumni, Locksmithing & Security Technology

Emily Townsend PT ’07, PA ’08 Leads the Next Chapter of Piano Technology

November 6, 2025

Categories: Alumni, Piano Technology

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