VanderCook College of Music
Instrument Repair Workshops
Summer 2026
Instrument Repair Workshops -
Summer 2026
Don’t miss what many consider VanderCook’s most popular MECA courses! Register for one, two, or all three summer sessions!
Secure your spot now—seats are limited.
Band Instrument Repair:
On Campus • June 22-26, 2026 • July 27-31, 2026
Watch your instrument repair bills shrink after learning the basics of woodwind and brass instrument repair. Bringing a flute, clarinet, trombone, and French horn for basic repair assignments is recommended; additional instruments to evaluate and repair may be brought as all types of band instruments may be worked on. Students should learn and be able to demonstrate:
- Hand-on repair of various wind instruments.
- Replace pads on woodwind instruments.
- Replace tenon corks on woodwind instruments.
- Restring and clean rotor valves.
- Replace and adjust springs.
- Remove dents and general damage.
- Solder braces, keys, and various parts.
- Regulation and adjustment of instruments for proper operation.
- Additional topics based on available instruments and participant interest.
String repair for the music educator:
On Campus • June 15-17, 2026
This course will offer hands-on practice on a wide array of skills ranging from changing strings to carving, duplicating, shaping and fitting a new bridge. Sound post re-setting and fabrication, slipping and sticking pegs, removing an endpin from inside a cello and more. More topics are welcomed based on participant interest.
*Please bring violins, violas, or cellos to work on – multiple instruments are welcome. “Stock/School” quality instruments are recommended. Wearing clothes that can be stained is recommended.
Housing is available through Illinois Institute of Technology. Learn more here: Housing Information
Tuition & Credits
June Band Instrument Repair and July Band Instrument Repair are each 3 graduate credits: $1350 (includes a materials fee)
String Repair is 2 graduate credits: $900 (includes a materials fee)
Meet our Instructors
Gary Everett - Instrument Repair
Gary Everett is a retired band director and department co-chair from the Oak Creek/Franklin Joint School District in Oak Creek WI. He previously held the position of chief tester at the G. LeBlanc Corporation’s headquarters in Kenosha, WI, where he was responsible for final inspection, repairs, final regulation and play-testing of all woodwind instruments before distribution. Everett also coordinated with visiting professional musicians, represented LeBlanc at area trade shows, and was a speaker during factory tours. Everett is owner and head technician of Everett Piano Services, a business dedicated to tuning, repair and restoration of pianos and related keyboard instruments. Gary is co-owner of In Tune Piano Supply, an online piano tools and parts sales company. He is a professional-level member of the National Association of Professional Band Instrument Repair Technicians (NAPBIRT), an associate member of the Piano Technicians Guild (PTG), and has been associated with the American Music Educators Repair Association (AMERA).
Everett has taught numerous repair clinics, lectured and served as an onsite repair technician for multiple school districts and colleges. Everett is active in the local music community as a musician for area bands, show bands and orchestras, including the Kenosha Pops Concert Band. Everett holds a bachelor’s degree in instrumental music education from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, and a master’s degree in instrumental music education from VanderCook.
Bill Rife - Instrument Repair
Bill Rife has been a dedicated member of the National Association of Professional Band Instrument Repair Technicians (NAPBIRT) since 2010. Leveraging a unique background in tool and die manufacturing alongside his passion for music, Bill has shared his expertise in instrument repair with the community for many years. Notably, he provided brass repair services for the Divine Infant and Divine Providence school bands in Westchester, IL, from 2003 to 2012.
As a performer, Bill has an extensive history in the local music scene. He played with the Chicago Youth Organization (CYO) for over two decades and is currently an active member of both the American Wind Band (formerly the Westchester Community Band) in the southwest suburbs and the West Suburban Concert Band in LaGrange, IL. Additionally, he has performed with the 60s and 70s cover band, Scraps of Brass, since 2010.
A trumpet player with over 40 years of experience, Bill combines his technical skills and musical knowledge to restore antique brass instruments in his spare time.
