The European Technological Institute for the Music Professions in Le Mans is a pioneering place focusing entirely on making and selling instruments. It is an unprecedented concentration of expertise on a European scale.

With backing from the European Parliament, in 1994 ITEMM opened in Le Mans to teach rare skills. It is a professional training center for instrument makers and repairers as well as and a research and innovation center for professionals and students. Every year, 200 students take courses enriched by professional training workshops.

ITEMM also participates in the European mobility program for apprentices and the creation of a very ambitious Open Lab, where people will be able to share knowledge, tools and industrial and research methods, such as the virtual prototyping of instruments on an online platform.

  • ©Sophie Zénon pour la Fondation Bettencourt Schueller
  • ©Sophie Zénon for the Fondation Bettencourt Schueller
  • ©Sophie Zénon pour la Fondation Bettencourt Schueller
  • ©Sophie Zénon pour la Fondation Bettencourt Schueller
  • ©Sophie Zénon pour la Fondation Bettencourt Schueller
  • ©Sophie Zénon pour la Fondation Bettencourt Schueller
  • ©Sophie Zénon pour la Fondation Bettencourt Schueller
  • ©Sophie Zénon pour la Fondation Bettencourt Schueller
  • ©Sophie Zénon pour la Fondation Bettencourt Schueller
  • ©Sophie Zénon pour la Fondation Bettencourt Schueller
  • ©Sophie Zénon pour la Fondation Bettencourt Schueller
  • ©Sophie Zénon pour la Fondation Bettencourt Schueller

“ITEMM successfully combines two key goals: preserving rare and demanding craftsmanship while inventing new production, knowledge-sharing and training formats.”

Patricia RibaultProfessor, member of the 2021 jury

ITEMM, European stronghold of artisans and musicians

"Our main goal is to teach the craft of instrument-making. To do that, we offer many courses combined with professional training workshops. Every year, we receive about 200 students for initial training and 220 for continuing education. Our high-level R&D center helps professionals develop their skills. The institute's offer is coherent and comprehensive, from support for young people just starting out to already established professionals. The European dimension is at the heart of our project. We want to promote and share European know-how. We’re planning international mobility programs that will allow students to discover other instrument-making skills. Many of our trainers have international experience." Carole Le Rendu, Executive Director

©Sophie Zénon pour la Fondation Bettencourt Schueller

  • 1994 Inauguration of ITEMM

  • 2001 The Institute becomes a hub of innovation for music professions

  • 2003 Création du brevet métiers d’art

  • 2011 Creation of the university diploma in music professions, followed in 2012 by the diploma in craftsmanship for instrument makers

The Parcours award of the Liliane Bettencourt Prize pour l'Intelligence de la Main®

This award is given to a natural or legal person for a strong commitment and contribution to French craftsmanship.

  • Amount: 50,000€
  • Funding: up to 100,000€ for a project that promotes French craftsmanship.
All the award-winners