Olivia Thompson

• Phone: +44 20 7946 0877
• Email: olivia.thompson@email.com
• Location: London, UK
• LinkedIn: olivia-thompson-instrument-repair

Summary

Over 9 years of dedicated experience in the precision repair, restoration, and tuning of a wide array of musical instruments, specializing in woodwind and string instruments. Proven ability to diagnose complex mechanical and acoustic issues, execute meticulous repairs, and perform precise tunings to meet professional performance standards.

Adept at using specialized tools and techniques for instrument maintenance, ensuring optimal playability and sound quality for musicians ranging from students to orchestral professionals.

Experience

Senior Instrument Repair Technician, The London Instrument Workshop -- London, UK

Mar 2018 – present

• Led a team of three technicians in the repair and restoration of high-value string and woodwind instruments, increasing workshop efficiency by 15%.

• Executed over 1,500 complex repairs, including crack repairs, pad replacements, key mechanism overhauls, and bridge adjustments, maintaining a 98% client satisfaction rate.

• Developed and implemented a new instrument maintenance protocol for school music programs, resulting in a 20% reduction in emergency repair requests.

• Provided expert consultation to clients on instrument care, maintenance, and upgrade options, enhancing customer loyalty and repeat business.

Instrument Repair Apprentice, Folk Tune & Repair -- London, UK

Sept 2014 – Feb 2018

• Assisted senior technicians in the diagnosis and repair of acoustic guitars, mandolins, and banjos, developing foundational skills in fretwork, intonation, and structural repair.

• Performed routine maintenance, cleaning, and string changes for over 50 instruments weekly, ensuring readiness for rental and sale.

• Learned and applied traditional methods for wood finishing and polishing, contributing to the aesthetic restoration of vintage instruments.

• Managed inventory of repair parts and supplies, ensuring timely ordering and stock rotation to support workshop operations.

Education

Newark College of Musical Instrument Crafts, Diploma of Higher Education in Musical Instrument Technology (Woodwind & Brass) -- Newark-on-Trent, UK

Sept 2012 – July 2014

Newark College of Musical Instrument Crafts, Certificate of Higher Education in Musical Instrument Technology (Stringed Instruments) -- Newark-on-Trent, UK

Sept 2011 – July 2012

Skills

Instrument Repair & Restoration: Woodwind instrument repair, String instrument repair, Brass instrument repair, Pad replacement, Key mechanism overhaul, Fret leveling, Bridge adjustment, Crack repair, Seam repair, Neck resets, Intonation adjustment, Lacquer repair, French polishing

Tuning & Regulation: Concert pitch tuning, Temperament adjustment, Piano tuning (basic), Organ tuning (basic), Instrument regulation, Action adjustment

Materials & Tools: Soldering, Brazing, Woodworking, Metalworking, Precision hand tools, Specialized instrument repair jigs, Adhesives, Finishes, Polishes, Abrasives

Technical & Diagnostic: Acoustic fault diagnosis, Mechanical fault diagnosis, Electronic testing (basic), Blueprint reading, Quality control, Instrument appraisal

Customer Service & Communication: Client consultation, Technical explanation, Repair estimation, Inventory management, Workshop organization, Supplier liaison