Apprenticeship Program

Bear Meadow
Apprenticeship Program

Bear Meadow Studio-Click to see full size

At Bear Meadow we offer an apprenticeship program designed for every level of skill and aspiration. Through this program the apprentice learns not only the Bear Meadow method of achieving results in stringed instruments but, furthermore, how to develop one's own musical intuition and sensitivity. The result is an artisan with a mature sense of his or her own inner way of working, in addition to a detailed understanding of the Bear Meadow way.

Our aim is that the Apprentice who has completed the Bear Meadow Program will be able to directly set up a lutherie studio and produce Appalachian dulcimers of high quality, or go on to further studies in the art of lutherie. The Apprentice completing a session will have rights to copy and use the designs, jigs and templates used in the session.

The Bear Meadow Apprenticeship Program consists of four Sessions, representing a complete course of study:

Initiate Session is an introduction to the basics of practice in an artisan's lutherie.

The Intermediate Session carries on from the skills, abilities and duties of the First Session, and adds a more advanced practice of these and other skills.

The Advanced Session brings the Apprentice to journeyman standing as a dulcimer maker.

The Master Session In the Master Session, the Apprentice will emerge as a functioning luthier with a body of work for sale, an established reputation in the market, and an acknowledged "Master of Bear Meadow." (Established luthiers may enter the Advanced Session followed by the Master session. Please inquire for more information about entering the Apprentice Sessions as an established luthier.)

Arrangements

Each of the Apprenticeship Sessions last four contiguous weeks, and can be scheduled at the mutual convenience of the student and the teacher. Ideally, the session is a continuous run, except that other needs will be respected, of course. Interrupted sessions can be arranged as necessary.The sessions are all held at the Bear Meadow lutherie studio in Rochester, New York. Although no accomodations are available at the studio itself, I will try to be helpful with finding modest arrangements for out-of-town students. A Meal Plan is available for $50/week, featuring breakfast and lunch.

Apprentices may keep whatever hours suit them during normal business hours, though of course it is recommended one take full advantage of this opportunity. Please notify me of absences, out of courtesy and respect for the work. Some weekend access to the studio may be available by arrangement.

Fees

Each Session consists of four weeks.

Fees are non-refundable and due one month before the start of the Session, and are as follows:
o Beginner Session - $1000
o Intermediate Session - $1000
o Advanced Session - $1000
o Master Session, six weeks - $2000

To make arrangements for the Apprenticeship Program, please contact me at:
Dwain Wilder
Bear Meadow Folk Instruments
289 Rich's Dugway
Rochester, New York 14625
dwain@bearmeadow.com
(585) 288-5031

Dwain Wilder dwain@bearmeadow.com