There are some professions in which tradition holds strong, in which one generation schools the next in the techniques of the trade. These services help us maintain some of our dearest possessions--such as an antique watch or a prized violin--with their specialized skill and delicate touch. But not all of these technicians enter the field through the family business. In fact, many are graduates of some of CTE's most unique programs. And, while they are trained in techniques that have existed for centuries, they are also, in other cases, on the cutting edge. These trades, such as instrument repair and jewelry making, have a long, but steady history. While these careers only draw a small segment of the population, it is certainly not for lack of work. Today, the need for these services remains strong. Programs specializing in these areas have incredibly high job placement rates, and graduates can often be very choosey. Unfortunately, because the teaching in these areas is so labor intensive and can require costly equipment, these types of programs often lose out in the bureaucratic shuffle. Those that have found ways to endure, however, are giving their students excellent experiences and opportunities. This article is divided into the following sections: Keeping Time; Play it Again; A Gem of a Program; and Artistry and Beauty.