New microcredential program at the Crane School of Music!
The Certificate in Band Instrument Repair Technology (BIRT) Basics is designed for music educators and other musicians seeking professional development in the basics of instrument repair, or those interested in exploring instrument repair technology as a potential career. Instrument repair and maintenance is essential to the sustainability of any school music program. However, a declining number of repair technicians has led to a national workforce shortage, which has in turn resulted in both long delays in repair times and lack of access to technicians. In response to student demand and workforce needs in New York State and beyond, The Crane School of Music has created this new micro-credential.
The BIRT Basics Certificate will be offered on-site only, at SUNY Potsdam's renowned Crane School of Music in Potsdam, NY, with all courses including significant applied learning on specialized equipment and taught in Crane's Instrument Repair Lab. Class size is restricted to 12 students maximum, to ensure adequate personalized attention. All courses are taught by Miles DeCastro, a leader in the National Association of Professional Band Instrument Repair Technicians. Professor DeCastro is a Straubinger Certified Technician, a Yamaha Certified Sales Professional, and a graduate of the Yamaha Service Advantage Program. He holds a degree in Music Education from Mansfield University, an MBA from Clarkson University, and a Certificate in Band Instrument Repair Technology from Renton Technical College.
This is the only such program in SUNY, and one of very few in the United States.
Highlights:
- There are three courses in the certificate sequence:
- MUCE 533 Band Instrument Maintenance for Wind Educators (this course is a prerequisite for MUAI 632 and 633)
- MUAI 632 Advanced Woodwind Repair
- MUAI 633 Advanced Brass Repair
- Courses are in person, Monday, July 21 through Friday, August 8, 2025
- Each course is a one-week session, Monday through Friday (classes meet 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily)
- All three courses must be completed to earn the micro-credential, but students are welcome to take only one or two courses if desired, space allowing.
- The micro-credential can be completed over multiple summers but is primarily designed to be done in one.
To Apply: Apply online here. For more information about Microcredentials at SUNY Potsdam, visit this webpage.
Application deadline: May 1, 2025. Applicants are expected to hold, or be nearing completion (at least 90 undergraduate credits) of, an undergraduate degree. (Applicants with only a high school diploma/GED may be considered with Program Head approval.)
Cost: Each course is approximately $1,650 (in-state) or $3,125 (out-of-state), based on per-credit graduate tuition and expected fees. All three courses, therefore, are approximately $4,950 (in-state) or $9,375 (out-of-state). There is also an additional $100 program fee.
Housing: On-campus housing options are available, including special townhouse rates. The SUNY Potsdam Townhouses are two-story buildings that are located between the Maxcy Hall athletic complex and Knowles Hall, a short walk from the Crane Complex (and any other part of campus). Each unit is fully furnished (except for televisions, microwaves, and cooking equipment); see this video for more. BIRT Basics students should expect share a townhouse with other BIRT Basics students.
Rates for summer 2025 are:
- $1,000 for the entire 3 weeks (20 nights; July 20 to August 9)
- $650 for any two-week span (13 nights: July 20-August 2 or July 27 to August 9)
- $300 for any single week (6 nights: July 20-26; July 27-August 2; or August 3-August 9)
Questions? Contact program head Miles DeCastro at decastmd@potsdam.edu.
