Estate Office, West Dean, Chichester, West Sussex PO18 0QZ, UK

Programs

Foundation Degree Arts - Musical Instruments, Level 2. Two years. Studies in the making of early bowed and plucked stringed instruments of the baroque and renaissance periods. The course includes lessons in playing viols, the history of musical instruments, musical science, woodturning, varnishing, care of timber, tone adjustment, bow rehiring and repair, metalworking machining, documenting extant instruments, selecting and purchasing materials, photography, as well as visits to auction houses and major European collections of musical instruments. The Degree is awarded by the University of Sussex.

The College is a private institution founded in 1971 offering courses in specialist conservation and restoration, visual and applied arts and a wide range of traditional arts and crafts. There is a Stringed Musical Instruments program in which students create instruments that can be commissioned and purchased through the Centre. It specialises in Renaissance and Baroque stringed instruments and bows, including viola da gamba, violins, cellos and bandoras. The Centre also carries out care and repair of stringed musical instruments. Apart from the courses in instrument making there are programs in restoration of books, ceramics, clocks, antique furniture and fine metalwork. The College also offers short courses in music appreciation, early music performance (lute, recorder, clavichord, viols) and workshops in guitar and vocal performance.

October 2022