GUITAR BUILDING FOCUS PROGRAM
Build a beautiful custom solid-body electric guitar or bass
Program Description
This activity-based course will cover topics such as safe shop practice, the elements and principles of guitar design, the use of jigs and templates, wood selection, shaping, joinery, electronics, proper set-up and finishing techniques.
Students learn the skills necessary to achieve the highest standard of craftsmanship possible.
Students will develop their design; building production jigs and templates, then manufacture a full size prototype model in poplar and maple prior to their real guitar or bass.
Students will keep a journal during the building process. The Journal includes specific dimensions, cutter selection and building procedure. This information will develop into a “how to build a guitar or bass” procedure document which will be used to construct the final guitar or bass.
The Guitar Building course is a great opportunity for students to develop transferable skills and solve complex design problems in a challenging and positive experiential learning environment.
Benefits of the Program
Students will be challenged and face adversity during the building process. At times, parts will need to be discarded in order correct a mistake. The risk and thrill of shaping the back of a neck, millimeters away from a truss rod cavity is an immeasurable feeling.
Students develop transferable skills that may not appear to be specific to building an instrument such as; The importance of overcoming problems through solutions, proper planning, time management, assessing risk, learning through failure, building self confidence, recognizing value in labour, recognizing quality craftsmanship and seeing things through to completion.
This challenge has incredible personal rewards. Students who have taken the Guitar building program have continued into post secondary programs in engineering, architecture, industrial design, furniture design, visual art, music, recording as well as luthier programs and apprenticeship training.
They can include their instrument in a portfolio of work for post secondary application. Including a photograph of your hand made instrument to your portfolio will most certainly gain attention.
Interested students can identify to earn certification and further activities related to the Specialist High Skills Major in Arts and Culture. Graduates of this program may qualify for preferred entry to Sheridan College.
ABOUT FOCUS PROGRAMS
Focus Programs enable students to come together to benefit from specialized equipment and training. These programs are designed to help high school students make well-informed career decisions and to assist with a smooth transition to post-secondary education or the world of work.
Focus Programs are packages of courses offered at Limestone District Secondary Schools that concentrate on a particular field of interest or training to provide students with both academic and work experience that will give them a foundation in a career or area of study.
Focus Programs provide opportunities that are good for all and necessary for some students who find the traditional classroom setting does not meet their needs. Focus provides a specific learning environment, with more of an emphasis on experiential learning. These unique classrooms provide opportunities for students to experience potential career areas in some depth before completing secondary school, leading to better choices for all post-secondary destinations. As well, Focus Programs provide a re-entry opportunity for students who wish to complete secondary school credits but need a strong bridge between prior learning experiences and the classroom setting.
HOW TO APPLY
- Visit the Focus Programs website and download the Application Form OR Visit your school’s Student Services Office and request an Application Form
- Fill out the Application Form and the Tri-Board Transportation Application Form (if required)
- Hand forms in to your Student Services Office
Please note, you may be put on a waiting list for the program. Please be patient with the application process.
If you have any questions, seek your Home School Focus Program contact here, or contact your Home School Student Services
SPECIALIST HIGH SKILLS MAJOR
Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) – Arts & Culture
What are they?
Specialist High Skills Majors let students focus on a career path that matches their skills and interests while meeting the requirements of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Students receive the SHSM’s seal on their diploma when they
- complete a specific bundle of 8-10 courses in the student’s selected field
- earn valuable industry certifications including first aid and CPR qualifications
- gain important skills on the job with employers.
Who are they for?
Grade 11 and 12 students who are:
- heading for an apprenticeship, training, college, university or the workplace.
- wanting to identify, explore and refine their career goals and make informed choices about their next steps after secondary school.
How can they help?
Students have the opportunity to:
- Gain important skills on the job with actual employers, at skills training centres and at school
- Earn valuable industry certifications, including first aid and CPR qualifications.
Learn more on their website.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
A special thank you to…
John Gamache as a community mentor working with the students and sharing his extensive knowledge in Electronics, Repair, and Set-up.
Craig Sindall and the talented students in the Colour Shop Focus Program at NDSS for spray finishing and working with the guitar building students.