About the school

Building a guitar is an amazingly engaging and fulfilling experience. At the school we provide the space, the tools, the knowhow and expert instruction so that anyone who wants to can have that magic experience of creating their own guitar. No matter if you have no woodworking or playing experience, we will guide you step by step through the build process in a fun and enjoyable environment.

Our story

BGMS was originally founded by Strato Anagnostis as part of the Australian Guitar Making Schools. The school evolved under the leadership of Andrew Armstrong, who established its identity as Brisbane Guitar Making School.

Today, BGMS is proudly owned and run by Trent Palelei, who continues to innovate and has refocused the school’s dedication to safety, lutherie excellence, and community.

We boast a purpose-built, fully equipped workshop where hundreds of students have crafted a wide variety of stringed instruments from ukuleles to acoustic bass, mandolins to bouzouki, ultra-modern multiscale headless electric guitars to renaissance-era lutes.

We have also hosted a number of internationally renowned guitar virtuosos at our annual showcases, where students, musicians and guitar enthusiasts swoon over the guitars built that year. We pride ourselves on a friendly, inclusive environment, high-quality instruction and above all, a passion for guitars.

I really enjoyed making this guitar and it was the highlight of my year. The small classes and the support from the teachers makes it possible for even a beginner like me to make an instrument of such high quality - Jane Ross