A smiling young man working on musical instrument at a workbench, wearing a black apron and sitting in a well-lit room with a desk lamp and jewelry tools.

BEHIND THE WORKBENCH

MUSICIAN TURNED REPAIR SPECIALIST

FATHER, HUSBAND, SAXOPHONIST, CRAFTSMAN
BASED IN SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

Welcome to The Wind Workshop, your trusted destination for professional woodwind instrument repairs. My name is Kei Araoka, and I bring a unique combination of musical expertise and Japanese-inspired craftsmanship to every instrument I service.


A Heritage of Precision & Honesty

My approach to repair is deeply shaped by my family’s artistic traditions. Raised among makers—including my mother, a visual artist, and my uncle, a master potter—I learned early on that an artisan’s greatest tools are an eye for detail and a commitment to absolute sincerity. I bring that same dedication to honesty, transparent business ethics, and meticulous care to every instrument on my workbench.

A Musician’s Perspective on Repairs
As a professional saxophonist and educator based in Sydney, I’ve spent years immersed in the world of music. My journey began at the prestigious Sydney Conservatorium of Music, where I studied under renowned musicians including Sean Coffin, Julian Gough, Dave Theak, Col Loughnan, Andrew Oh, James Ryan, and Jason Bruer.

Since then, I’ve had the privilege of performing alongside leading artists like Guy Sebastian, Mike Akox, Gary Pinto, Michael Duchesne, The SSJ Group, and The Tap Pack at high-profile events such as TED. My career has taken me across Australia and around the globe — from X Factor Australia to international venues with Carnival and P&O Cruise Lines. I’ve also performed at major festivals such as the Manly Jazz Festival, Merimbula Jazz Festival, and the Adelaide Fringe Festival, held residencies at venues like Crown Sydney, The Star, and ICC Sydney, and collaborated with organisations including Amazon, Fujifilm, and the AIS Sport Performance Awards.


From Musician to Repairer
Alongside my performance and teaching career, I’ve been quietly honing my skills as a woodwind repairer over the past several years. Driven by a desire to help musicians play their best, I began repairing saxophones, clarinets, and flutes for friends, colleagues, and students. Over time, I found deep satisfaction in restoring instruments and ensuring they perform at their peak.

I now specialize in all levels of woodwind repairs — from minor adjustments to full overhauls — and bring the same dedication, precision, and care to every job. My goal is simple: to help you return to playing with confidence.


Global Standards, Local Expertise

To complement my bench experience, I am a proud member of NAPBIRT (the National Association of Professional Band Instrument Repair Technicians). As the world’s leading organisation for repair professionals, this membership ensures your instrument is serviced to the highest international standards. Through this network, I stay connected to modern repair techniques and specialized tooling, bringing elite-level care straight to your horn right here in Sydney.


A Workshop Built for Musicians
At The Wind Workshop, I understand the needs of musicians — because I am one. My experience performing professionally and teaching for over a decade has given me a deep appreciation for how much your sound depends on a responsive, well-maintained instrument. I treat every instrument as if it were my own, with meticulous attention to detail in every repair.

Whether you’re a student, hobbyist, or seasoned professional, I’m here to provide reliable, affordable, and expert repairs to keep your music alive and thriving.


Let’s Get Started
If your saxophone, clarinet, or flute needs care, don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we’ll get your instrument performing at its best — so you can focus on what you do best: playing music.

Kei Araoka
Founder, The Wind Workshop
Instrument Technician


LET’S TALK ABOUT YOUR INSTRUMENT

Whether you’re ready to book or just curious about what I can do for your saxophone, clarinet, or flute, I’d love to hear from you. Drop your details below and I’ll be in touch soon.