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learning and doing
handS and mind
North Bennet Street School is a unique educational environment where learning comes from doing and the hands engage the mind. At the heart of the school are eight full-time programs complemented by continuingeducation workshops, lectures and partnerships with other cultural and educational institutions.
do what you love every day
an education in craftsmanship
Located in Boston, Massachusetts, North Bennet Street School (NBSS) offers intensive, hands-on training in traditional trades and fine craftsmanship, helping students to achieve meaningful lives and livelihoods.
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When you become involved in the creative work of making useful, beautiful objects and gain a personal understanding of what is meant by the intelligence of the hands, it transforms who you are and how you think. miguel GÓMEZ-IBÁÑEZ | president
MISSION
The mission of North Bennet Street School is to train students for careers in traditional trades that use hand skills in concert with evolving technology to preserve and advance craft traditions and to promote greater appreciation of craftsmanship. For more than a century, the exceptional programs, master faculty and inspiring community have encouraged individual growth, curiosity, technical mastery and commitment to excellence. History
North Bennet Street School was founded in 1881 in Boston’s North End as North Bennet Street Industrial School. The school’s original mission was to assist immigrants as they adjusted to their new country by providing the training needed for gainful employment. Pauline Agassiz Shaw, the school’s founder, was committed to teaching a wide variety of skills and providing social services such as educating children in kindergarten programs, recreational activities and prevocational and trade training. Vocational training classes were offered in pottery, printing, sewing, sheet-metal work and watch repair as well as the carpentry, cabinet-making and jewelry-making classes that continue today. North Bennet Street School has evolved over its more than one-hundred-year history while retaining its core commitment to train individuals for employment using time-honored methods and skills. L
Historic photographs show students from the early decades of the 20th century when the school served Boston’s immigrant community.
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3 48 7 6
12 5 piano technology
CARPENTRY
locksmithing and securit y technology
bookbinding
violin m aking and repair
c abinet and furniture m aking
preservation CARPENTRY
meaningful careers education
jewelry m aking and repair
The school’s founder, Pauline Agassiz Shaw, advocated the
Swedish system of craftsmanship training known as “sloyd,” a method focused on the development of character and
intellectual capacity as well as technical skills. Today, the philosophy of sloyd, which means “craft” or “hand skills,” remains at the heart of NBSS education. FULL-TIME PROGRAMS
Eight full-time professional programs prepare students for careers in bookbinding, cabinet and furniture making, carpentry, jewelry making and repair, locksmithing and security technology, piano technology, preservation carpentry and violin making and repair. In the intensive, hands-on training, each project builds on previous learning and requires students to solve increasingly complex problems. Students develop hand skills, an understanding of tools, materials and processes,
Students build a minimum of five violins during the three-year program. This first-year violin was made by Alan DiPesa.
and a commitment to excellence in their craft. NBSS graduates enjoy a wide range of employment opportunities within their chosen field and many develop successful businesses. L
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PIANO TECHNOLOGY VIOLIN MAKING AND REPAIR
Students build a solid foundation in instrument making and an introduction to the art and science of stringed-instrument restoration. Over the course of the three-year program, students build five violins, a viola and a bowed-string instrument of the student’s choosing. The program teaches the fundamental hand skills required for the construction and finishing as well as the set-up and repair of stringed instruments in accordance with the highest standards of the craft and the needs of expert musicians. program length: 3
years** number of students: 12
* One NBSS academic year is equal to nine months. ** The violin academic year is ten months.
The Basic Piano Technology program covers instruction in all phases of aural piano tuning including the concepts upon which equal temperament is founded. Students tune, regulate and repair the actions of both upright and grand pianos and are taught the skills required to become members of the Piano Technicians Guild as Registered Piano Technicians. The Advanced Piano Technology program focuses on comprehensive piano services including advanced tuning and regulation practice, grand piano repair and rebuilding, and resolution of service problems that occur in the field. program length: Basic Piano
Advanced Piano
– 1 year*
– 1 year*
number of students: Basic Piano
Advanced Piano
– 12
– 16
Bindings by Claudia Constanzo.
BOOKBINDING
Students learn fundamental hand-bookbinding techniques while producing a variety of binding structures in cloth, paper, leather and vellum. Hands-on book repair and conservation techniques are taught, along with tool use and modification, edition binding techniques, and protective enclosures. The second year is focused primarily on fine leather bindings and more advanced finishing and conservation procedures. Graduates enter the field as bookbinders in custom binderies and university or institutional conservation labs or as self-employed bookbinders and book artists. program length: 2
years* number of students: 16
Bombay chest by Austin Campbell.
CABINET AND FURNITURE MAKING
Through bench exercises and building projects, students learn techniques using hand and power tools and gain an understanding of the methods and construction strategies used to create high-quality custom pieces. By drawing from the rich tradition of 18th and early 19th century American furniture, the program aims to inform and enhance any design aspirations by providing a solid foundation in fine furniture making. Graduates enter fields such as cabinet and furniture making, architectural millwork and furniture repair, restoration and conservation.
2 years* number of students: 39
program length:
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JEWELRY MAKING AND REPAIR
Through a series of hands-on projects, each requiring new skills and building on previous learning, students develop proficiency using a wide range of tools and working with precious metals and stones. Techniques include polishing, soldering, engraving, laser welding, metal fabrication, stone-setting and wax model-making. Graduates have the fundamental knowledge and technical skills of jewelry making and repair needed to enter the workforce as professional makers of fine jewelry. program length: 2
years*
number of students: 26
*One NBSS academic year is equal to nine months.
Locksmithing and Security Technology
The program combines classroom theory, lectures and demonstrations with hands-on bench work, security hardware installation and fieldwork experience. Students learn to service, repair and install all types of residential and commercial locking devices, set up master-key systems, install locks, service safes, basic automotive lock services and gain familiarity with electronic and mechanical access control systems. The program includes ample time for practice, providing students the experience required to enter the field as qualified security professionals. program length: 1
year* number of students: 16
PRESERVATION CARPENTRY
Through lectures, demonstrations, projects and site work, students develop a thorough grounding in pre-20th century New England house construction and are exposed to a broad range of construction methods, including stabilizing endangered buildings, preserving and uncovering architectural details and documenting and recreating historic design elements. Students graduate with the skills needed to work with contractors and institutions that specialize in preservation and conservation work, including historic millwork and interior finish carpentry for traditional buildings. program length: 2
CARPENTRY
Students learn to construct and renovate residential and commercial wood-framed buildings through skilled use of tools and machines and knowledge of construction principles and procedures, including current and emerging industry standards and building practices. The small class size ensures ample one-to-one instruction and supervision from a master carpenter. Students experience the importance of working as a team on building sites and graduate ready to work safely, accurately and efficiently to satisfy clients’ needs. program length: 1
year* number of students: 13
years*
number of students: 26
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collaborative culture master faculty
NBSS instructors are among the most respected men and women in their field. Many are NBSS graduates and have taught for more than 10 years. Faculty members often teach
master classes at national meetings and conferences and write articles for trade magazines. In addition to teaching, faculty members continue to practice their craft, work on commissions, and exhibit and sell their work. A SUPPORTIVE, STIMULATING LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
NBSS courses are rigorous. Instructors expect students to
perform all required work and to do it to the highest standard within a supportive, stimulating environment. Classrooms and shops are informal and small classes allow instructors to provide individual attention. Equally valuable
The best thing about the two years I’ve spent here is the exceptional faculty and the culture of students helping each other.
is the opportunity for NBSS students to help and learn from
Geoffrey | cabinet and
each other. Students come from across the country and around
furniture making
the world and their diverse life and work experiences encourage a lively exchange of ideas and perspectives. It is common for program graduates to remain involved with the school, offering their insight and expertise as guest lecturers, instructors, networking contacts and employers. L
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Clockwise from top left: Jewelry instructor Lisa Hunt, preservation carpentry instructor Steven O’Shaughnessy (left), cabinet and furniture making instructor Lance Patterson (right) and locksmithing instructor Dave Troiano (left).
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Second year violin by Gregory Allison.
See more FACULTY PROFILES
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roman barnas
nbss.edu/gallery
I was born in Poland and began making violins when I was fourteen. I attended the Paderewski Academy of Music in Poznan, Poland and studied music and violin making. I received a Master of Fine Arts with honors. I came to the United States in 1996 to work and to continue studying violin making and violin restoration. I came to NBSS to be the head of the violin department in 2004. In addition to teaching, I do acoustic research with colleagues from local universities and I continue to make instruments. violin m aking and repair
Cabinet and furniture making studio, students working.
HANDS- ON TRAINING facilities
Located in Boston’s historic North End, the school’s main facility includes workshops and classrooms that provide the bench space, equipment and machinery necessary for the highest quality instruction in each program. The admissions, academic, student services, and administrative offices are located in the North End facility. Satellite facilities include a spacious wood shop in Arlington, Massachusetts that is home to the carpentry and preservation carpentry programs and a light-filled space with harbor views in South Boston where the locksmithing and security technology program is located.
Jewelry making and repair studio, students at work.
Using 18th- and 19th-century furniture designs requires the hand skills and woodworking techniques that are the foundation of the NBSS curriculum. This chair was made by Ryan Messier.
Violin making and repair studio, students working.
ADVANCING CRAFTSMANSHIP continuing education
learners, children and teens. A wide range of workshops, short
Being here is like being at no other school. It is a career- and life-changing experience that launches you right into the field ...
courses and programs is offered through the continuing
william | preservation carpentry
Surrounding the full-time programs is a much wider community of individuals who care about traditional crafts and who desire to learn a new skill or perfect and expand an existing practice. Among this group are NBSS alumni, adult
education department and these are open to all. L
Preservation carpentry students on location making repairs to an historic barn.
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WORK AND LIFE
The North Bennet Street School community is diverse, creative, friendly and talented. Students are recent high-school graduates, college transfer students and career changers. Students come from Boston, from surrounding New England states, from across the country and around the world.
Piano technology students enjoy lunch in the North End.
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meaningful and integrated
Sterling silver, 14k yellow gold and green tourmaline necklace by jewelry student Sara Pancoast.
The student and alumni network
Many instructors are alumni, the president of the school and the provost are both alumni and there is an active alumni association. For current students, the alumni network provides invaluable insight into the professional lives and careers of graduates. Networking events are organized during the year and alumni often hire recent graduates to work in their businesses. Through informal mentoring, alumni provide support to students and graduates.
inspiring community It’s not all work
The hands-on focused work that is the core of the North Bennet Street School experience and what students value most is occasionally interrupted by the sound of a table hockey game or the laughter of students enjoying a snack before returning to their benches. Annual program sponsored open-house events provide opportunities for
The collegiality at NBSS is unparalleled as is the excellence of the training and the opportunity to learn with talented, interesting and supportive classmates. jeremy | CABINET AND FURNITURE MAKING
students to learn about the other programs and meet students outside their discipline. Evening activities provide more opportunities for learning, fun, and socializing. Trivia nights, visits to museums and a student-led blogging group are regular activities. L
See more
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Student PROFILES
nbss.edu/gallery
charles robinson I grew up in Boston and worked in the construction trades. I was looking for a new career in the service industry when I learned about the locksmithing program at NBSS. I enjoy learning the trade and particularly get satisfaction from the installation aspects of the program. The school environment is very upbeat and everyone is very supportive — both during school and as I begin to look for a job. locksmithing and securit y technology
See more Alumni PROFILES
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emily scott, jm ’07
jewelry m aking and repair
I was studying advertising in college when I realized that a corporate creative job wasn’t for me. I wanted a skilled-based career that produced tangible results. The intense, hands-on style of teaching in the jewelry program taught me self-discipline and hard work. While in school, I began to sell my jewelry and do simple custom jobs. After graduating and a few years of craft fairs, trunk shows and art events, I opened a jewelry shop, e.scott originals, in September 2010. It’s by far the best decision I’ve made.
BOSTON’S NORTH END visiting the hub
Whether it is the cultural resources of the city, the diverse neighborhoods, the many other educational institutions and a large population of students, or the proximity to greater New England and other east coast locations, students and alumni will tell you that Boston is a great place to go to school.Â
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North Bennet Street School does not have dorms or residence halls. What we do have is a central Boston location in a residential neighborhood, accessible by public transportation to dozens of neighborhoods and local communities. The
Of my NBSS education thus far, I absolutely love that I am always doing something that I want to do. There is never a moment when I feel I am wasting my time. armand | violin making and repair
director of student services has created helpful resources and is available to help students research housing options. L
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Design: Moth
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Photography:
Heather McGrath, Peter Vanderwalker
The best way to discover if the school is the right fit for you is to visit. Tour the facilities, meet others who are interested in the school, ask questions and learn more about the school and the admissions process. Attend one of the monthly information sessions or schedule an individual meeting and tour.
Clockwise from top left: Preservation carpentry student working on an historic window sash, students during a mid-day break, carpentry student on site.
Visit www.nbss.edu for details on the programs, application information and a schedule of information sessions and tours.
ADMISSIONS
FINANCIAL AID
The school admits a wide range of
We understand that an education
students each year. Students are recent
is a significant financial undertaking.
high-school graduates, college transfer
Applying for financial aid is a worth-
students and career changers. Students
while, although sometimes complex,
come from Boston, from surrounding
process. NBSS full-time programs are
New England states, from across the
accredited by the Accrediting
country and around the world.
Commission of Career Schools and Colleges making students who
NBSS offers rolling admissions. We
qualify eligible for pell grants, veteran
accept applications and notify accepted
education benefits and guaranteed
students throughout the year until the
federal loans. In addition, NBSS has
class is full. Some programs are extremely
a scholarship fund.
competitive and fill quickly. It is to your advantage to plan ahead and apply early.
ACCREDITATION
Admission requirements vary by program
North Bennet Street School’s full
and are listed on the NBSS website and
time programs are accredited by the
in the printed catalog supplement. We
Accrediting Commission of Career
work with you to answer questions and
Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). ACCSC
provide support. Call or write the
is a private, nonprofit, accrediting
admissions office at 617-227-0155 /
organization dedicated to ensuring
admissions@nbss.edu
educational quality and integrity in America’s postsecondary career schools.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
ACCSC accredits more than 800 post-
Details on tuition, fees, refund policy,
secondary schools and colleges in the
grading, student conduct, attendance,
United States and Puerto Rico, annually
serving more than 250,000 students. ACCREDITATION
withdrawal and termination, and
leave of absence are included in the North Bennet Street School’s full time programs are accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). ACCSC is viewbook supplement. Cataloguededicated of the North Street School. a private, nonprofit, accrediting organization to Bennet ensuring educational Published February 2012. quality and integrity in America’s postsecondary career schools. ACCSC accredits more than 800 postsecondary schools and colleges in the United States and
p 617 2 27 0155
39 N o rth B enn e t S tr ee t
f 617 2 27 9292
B osto n , M assachus e tts 02113
admissions@nbss.edu info@nbss.edu
n b s s . e du
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the craftsman ethos
We believe that a life dedicated to perfecting one’s craft nourishes the human spirit and yields deep personal satisfaction.
We challenge ourselves to develop hand skills, knowledge of materials, technical expertise, and intellect through making objects with the highest functional integrity and beauty.
We share a commitment to high-quality workmanship, attention to detail, self-expression, and the pursuit of excellence.
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n bs s . edu
Bookbinding Carpentry Preservation Carpentry Cabinet and Furniture Making Jewelry Making and Repair Locksmithing and Security Technology Piano Technology Violin Making and Repair