The Certificate in Band Instrument Repair Technology (BIRT) Basics is designed for music educators and other musicians seeking professional development in the basics of instrument repair, or those interested in exploring instrument repair technology as a potential career. Instrument repair and maintenance is essential to the sustainability of any school music program. However, a declining number of repair technicians has led to a national workforce shortage, which has in turn resulted in both long delays in repair times and lack of access to technicians. In response to student demand and workforce needs in New York State and beyond, The Crane School of Music has created this new micro-credential. 

The BIRT Basics Certificate will be offered on-site only, at SUNY Potsdam’s renowned Crane School of Music in Potsdam, NY, with all courses including significant applied learning on specialized equipment and taught in Crane’s Instrument Repair Lab. Class size is restricted to 12 students maximum, to ensure adequate personalized attention. All courses are taught by Miles DeCastro, a leader in the National Association of Professional Band Instrument Repair Technicians. Professor DeCastro is a Straubinger Certified Technician, a Yamaha Certified Sales Professional, and a graduate of the Yamaha Service Advantage Program. He holds a degree in Music Education from Mansfield University, an MBA from Clarkson University, and a Certificate in Band Instrument Repair Technology from Renton Technical College.

This is the only such program in SUNY, and one of very few in the United States.

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

Band Instrument Repair Technology Basics students will be able to:

• develop an advanced repertoire of woodwind and brass instrument repair skills.
• diagnose non-functioning band instruments in a professional repair shop setting.
• describe proper instrument nomenclature to aid in communication with other repair technicians.
• create repair tools for band instrument repairs.
• describe where to obtain advanced woodwind and brass instrument repair tools and supplies.