Musical Instrument Crafts Celebration Evening 2024

The celebration event, held at St Mary Magdalene Church, Newark, on Friday, June 28, welcomed students, colleagues and distinguished guests of the College. 

During the event, talented musicians gave a taste of the newly hand-crafted instruments with exceptional performances, including from our staff and students John Wright, Miranda Bailey-Sharam and Paul Davis playing newly crafted string instruments, and professional guitarist, Rob Johns ,on student-made guitars.

Graduating Piano Tuning and Restoration student, Ben Davis, played a spectacular performances on the Church's grand piano, and graduating Woodwind Making and Repair student, David Bradnock, performed on the oboe.

The evening concluded with the annual prize-giving ceremony, with spotlight awards for ‘Endeavour’, ‘Most Improved Student’ and ‘Outstanding Achievement’, thanks to the generosity of the evening’s sponsors.  

Paul Staples, Curriculum Lead for Musical Instrument Crafts, said: "This year the MIC celebration event brought together all four pathways to showcase the excellence in craftsmanship and skills in the school. Staff and students took part in recitals and presentations from the four school pathways of violin, guitar, piano and Woodwind.

"We were joined by dignitaries, friends and family to celebrate the great achievement of students and staff. This is a highlight of the year and a joyous time for all."

"We are grateful for the support of a number of sponsors from the piano, guitar, woodwind and lutherie trade, as well as the donation of some very generous prizes from individuals and Trusts, all of whom are keen to recognise the endeavour and dedication our students have shown in their studies."

Earlier in the day, the guitar students' hand-made guitars were on display and reviewed by a panel of past and current tutors, luthiers and students. A round table discussion took place where they spoke about the history of the course, developments and changes in the industry.

Current Guitar Making and Repair tutor, Manuel Aragon Gimeno, said: "The event was a perfect opportunity to learn more about the school and its historic tutors through alternative collaborative spaces to ensure reflection on the past, discussing the present and imagining the future. A unique and unforgettable experience."

Past Guitar Making and Repair tutor, Adrian Lucas, said: "It was uplifting to see my former colleagues, teachers and students at the event on Friday. We had an inspired couple of hours remembering how the guitar making course had come into being and grown over the last 30 years. I was struck by the strong sense of community that we all felt beyond simply being work colleagues, and that everyone who'd been a tutor or student, and several had been both, felt they belonged to a network that connects us all even after we've moved on."

Jamie Swannell, Guitar Making and Repair alumnus and current luthier, added: "It was an absolute joy to be part of the celebrations. It's always astounding to see and hear what the students have produced during their time with the college. Newark is a special place for musical instrument craft, here's to another 30 years!"

Another Guitar Making and repair alumnus and current luthier, Tony Johnson, added: "The celebration of 30 years of the guitar course last Friday was wonderful for me. It brought together people and friends I have known for decades. The day helped us all appreciate what we do on many levels of teaching and making instruments. Manuel organised the round table discussion very well, and the contributions from passed and present tutors was very interesting. It was also wonderful to meet the present students and their instruments which represented the continuation of the school."

2024 graduating Guitar Making and Repair student, Luca Bosatta, added: "Listening to a pro musician bring out beautiful sounds of an instrument I made is like opening a present. I'm thankful to the school for making it happen and letting us share these special moments with our very unique community of instrument makers in Newark."

A formal graduation ceremony at Lincoln Cathedral will be held on Wednesday 2nd October 2024.

Find out more about our BA (Hons) Musical Instrument Craft degrees on our School of Musical Instrument Crafts website.