Roberto Venn School of Luthiery prepares students to build, repair guitars for career

Grosse Pointe Music Academy Commentary
Based on reporting by Molly Bilker for Downtown Devil
Original article link (Downtown Devil)

At Grosse Pointe Music Academy, we celebrate not only the art of playing instruments, but also the craftsmanship behind them. The story of the Roberto-Venn School of Luthiery is a powerful reminder of how music and craftsmanship intersect in deeply meaningful ways. Located in Phoenix, Arizona, Roberto-Venn has been training luthiers—those who build and repair stringed instruments—for nearly 50 years, making it the longest-running guitar-making school in North America.

Students at Roberto-Venn don’t just build instruments—they build futures. Over a rigorous five-month program, they craft acoustic and electric guitars by hand, gaining skills that transform their passion into a profession. As Director William Eaton noted, it’s a journey that becomes “a life-changer.”

We were particularly inspired by the culture of camaraderie described in the piece. The shared creative process, long hours, and love for music forge bonds that extend far beyond the classroom. It’s clear that luthiery, much like music education itself, is about connection, discipline, and expression.

From all of us at Grosse Pointe Music Academy, hats off to the students and faculty of Roberto-Venn for preserving and elevating the craft of guitar building. Whether you’re learning to play or learning to build, music continues to offer a lifetime of growth.

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Shared by Grosse Pointe Music Academy
Private and group music lessons offered in Metro Detroit for students of all ages.
www.grossepointemusicacademy.com

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