James Cole

Which course/s did you study and the dates?
Early plucked stringed instrument making, Making Lutes and baroque guitars, taught by  Roger Rose and Martin Haycock, 1993 - 1996

What do you consider your biggest achievement to date?
I think just knowing that the instruments I’ve made since leaving college are out there being played and enjoyed by musicians- lute players/guitarists- banjo players etc. 

Talk us through your career path since graduating
I continued instrument making- learning new/different techniques, different styles of various instruments. Plus learning repair techniques. I do a fare amount of repair work. 

What projects are you currently working on?
Returning to my early instrument roots, I’m making a baroque guitar for a busy gigging musician, and a gourd banjo for another busy player out on the road - two very different musical styles, which makes my work varied and interesting.

Do you have any tips for recent graduates?
Just keep at it - I had times I’d have to take a construction job for a while ( I learnt oak frame building work ), but I always kept my lutherie dream in focus. 

How do you think studying at West Dean College prepared you for what you do now?
A good work ethic- my tutors, Roger and Martin, taught all of us so well - it made me think to really remember their tuition. The time they took to get us all to a good standard. I kinda wouldn’t want to let them down. 

What's your favourite memory from your time at the College?
Sledging in the first year - using trays from the canteen- I think everyone was up on that slope, plus the Dower House Halloween parties. 

Did you receive any form of funding to study at West Dean?
The Worshipful Company of Carpenters certainly helped.

Did you have a different career before coming to West Dean? If so why did you change career paths?
Just working on farms and building sites. Plus gigging in local bands. I still gig regularly- I’ve toured over in the USA, recorded with various bands, it’s a big part of my life as well as my instrument making.