Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Guitar Making School in Phoenix
Founded in 1975, Roberto-Venn School Of Luthiery School of Luthiery stands as the longest-running guitar-making school in North America. Our accredited five-month Guitar Making & Repair Course equips students with hands-on training in acoustic and electric guitar construction and repair, emphasizing practical skills and theoretical knowledge. With a student-to-teacher ratio of 6:1, we ensure personalized instruction using specialized tools and a curriculum developed by industry experts.Graduates gain foundational expertise for careers in guitar manufacturing, repair, or entrepreneurship, supported by job placement assistance and small business management sessions. Accredited by ACCSC and licensed by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education, we offer federal financial aid and Veterans benefits to qualified students.
Services
Guitar Making Course
Guitar Repair Training
Advanced Guitar Repair
Pickup Winding Workshop
Amp Design & Construction
Details
- Year established: 1975
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of specialized guitar-making expertise.
- Our 6:1 student-to-teacher ratio ensures personalized instruction.
- Graduates receive ACCSC-accredited certificates with industry recognition.
- We provide job placement assistance and small business training.
- Veterans benefits and financial aid available to qualified applicants.
Associations and certifications
- ACCSC
What people say
Best decision ever
Phenomenal experience
Great training
Knowledgeable instructors
Job placement success
Services
Guitar Making & Repair Course
Our 5-month accredited program teaches acoustic and electric guitar construction and repair. Students build two project guitars while learning techniques in wood selection, finishing, and electronics. Graduates gain skills for careers in major manufacturers, custom shops, or self-employment.
Guitar Repair Course
This 10-week intensive course trains students in fretted instrument repair techniques. Curriculum covers setups, fretwork, electronics, and crack repair, preparing graduates for roles in music stores, repair shops, or touring tech positions with hands-on experience.
Pickup Winding Workshop
Students learn pickup design and construction through hands-on builds of humbuckers, single coils, and bass pickups. The 2-day workshop includes materials for two pickups, with options for advanced participants to purchase additional components and equipment.
Advanced Guitar Repair
Building on basic repair skills, this course covers complex techniques like neck resetting, advanced crack repair, and finish restoration. Students develop expertise in restoring vintage instruments and handling specialized repair scenarios requiring precision craftsmanship.
Amp Design & Construction
This 7-weekend course teaches vacuum tube amplifier design through building a 35-watt high-gain amplifier. Students learn circuit design, power supply construction, and tone shaping techniques while gaining theoretical understanding of analog electronics from industry professionals.
People
William Eaton
Director
Founder of Roberto-Venn School Of Luthiery's guitar-making program, William Eaton combines luthiery expertise with an MBA from Stanford. He has created innovative multi-string instruments and received four Grammy nominations for his musical work.
John Reuter
Director of Training
Bringing decades of industry experience, John Reuter oversees training programs at Roberto-Venn School Of Luthiery, ensuring curriculum aligns with professional standards while mentoring students in advanced guitar-making techniques.
Steven Davis
Chief Electric Instructor
Steven Davis leads electric guitar instruction with specialized knowledge in modern construction techniques, guiding students through complex electronics and innovative body design projects.
Jim Prater
Chief Acoustic Instructor
Jim Prater specializes in acoustic guitar construction, teaching traditional methods and contemporary innovations in bracing, tonewoods, and sound optimization for professional-grade instruments.
Robert Mazzullo
Chief Repair Instructor
With extensive repair experience, Robert Mazzullo trains students in both basic and advanced guitar repair techniques, preparing them for real-world instrument restoration challenges.
Questions
What are the admission requirements for Roberto-Venn?
Applicants need a high school diploma or GED, completed application, and $250 fee. No prior woodworking experience required.
Does Roberto-Venn offer financial aid?
Yes, federal financial aid, Veterans benefits, and payment plans available for qualified students attending our accredited programs.
How long are the core programs?
The Guitar Making & Repair Course lasts 5 months (880 hours), while the Guitar Repair Course runs 10 weeks (300 hours).
Do you help graduates find jobs?
We provide resume assistance, employer lists, and job placement support though cannot guarantee employment for all graduates.
Are there housing options available?
No on-campus housing, but we assist students in finding nearby accommodations within walking distance of the Phoenix campus.
Can international students enroll?
Yes, we accept international students with proper visas and English proficiency demonstrated through application interviews.
