Prepared by Maurice Briggs, President, Australian Association of Musical Instrument Makers (AAMIM). Submitted 7 March 2008.

Entered on knowledge base 3 September 2008.

Introduction to AAMIM

1. Training: we do not have any training system as it is just not possible to give any. Those of us that can guide a new member do so as best we can.
2. Level of Professionalism: some of our members make on commission and we therefore [are] professionals but most members make as a hobby or want to try something different from general woodwork.
3. Employment: nil as all members are voluntary.
4. Level of Networking and Cooperation: is generally very good between members. We endeavour to produce four journals a year.
5. Promotion: is by exhibiting at various venues in public libraries, and the Working with Wood Show every year.
6. Exports: some of our members have made instruments for overseas musicians.

Strengths

• Some of our members make on commission and we therefore [are] professionals.
• Level of networking and cooperation is generally very good between members. We endeavour to produce four journals a year.
• Some of our members have made instruments for overseas musicians.

Weaknesses

• We do not have any training system as it is just not possible to give any. Those of us that can guide a new member do so as best we can.
• Nil employment as all members are voluntary.
• Only Queensland members meet regularly, and these are small in number.
• Members are mostly hobby makers, wanting to do something different with wood.

Opportunities

• Promotion is by exhibiting at various venues in public libraries, and the Working with Wood Show every year.

Threats

• Lack of employment
• Lack of promotion of this industry amongst musicians
• Lack of professional development