Higher Education

Minnesota State College-Southeast Technical

By Anna Stevens

Southeast Technical has a wide variety of studies available, in fields ranging from Accounting to Auto Body Collision Repair to Cosmetology to Criminal Justice. Some of the more unique offerings fall into the music industry: programs in band instrument repair, violin repair, and guitar repair and construction are unique and draw students from around the country.

The violin repair program—in which students learn about tools, wood, trees, and basic maintenance and repair techniques for the whole string family—is the only stand-alone program of its kind in the country. Fine motor skills, patience and the ability to focus on the work at hand are essential. The aim of the program is for students to be prepared to work in the best violin shops in the world and to continue the lifelong process of learning the art. In recent years, the program has achieved 100 percent job placement for those earning violin repair diplomas.