Over the past decade, San Miguel de Tucumán (Argentina) and Curitiba (Brazil) have become prominent examples of music cities, partly due to the role of lutherie influencing their cultural and urban identities. Drawing on key sources on music cities (Finnegan 1989, Cohen 2007) and scenes (Straw 1991, Bennett 1999), this paper argues that the presence of comprehensive public lutherie programs alongside affordable private courses has been influential in establishing both cities as key hubs for regional and national musical instrument making. The incorporation of lutherie into public university curricula elevates the craft to an academic discipline, changing a master-apprentice tradition into an interdisciplinary and collective knowledge integration (Godemann 2008). Meanwhile, affordable private courses broaden opportunities for aspiring luthiers. These rich learning environments have contributed to establishing a large and collaborative population of luthiers, whose instruments, workshops, and events influence and help to maintain local music scenes. Such actions are reinforced by local initiatives, cultural institutions, and the participation of musicians, students, and audiences, creating a cycle that boosts cultural identity and economic growth (Soja 1996). By examining the interactions among education, production, and practices, this paper shows how lutherie, often overlooked in urban music studies, serves as a foundation for musical milieus in each city. The case studies also reveal how lutherie education and infrastructure can elevate a city’s status as a music city. As a result, these cities serve as valuable models for other urban centers seeking independent music cultures rooted in craft, innovation, and community participation.