Full Time Violin Instrument Making and Repair

Full Time Violin Instrument Making and Repair

Course Description:
This highly-acclaimed and internationally-recognised Violin School provides a comprehensive course in making, repair and restoration of instruments of the Violin family.

The success of the course lies in its combination of enthusiastic and trade-experienced tutors, comprehensive course materials and practical demonstrations complimented by a large amount of workshop time. The emphasis is on allowing the student to gain as much practical experience as possible.

By the end of the course, students will be prepared to enter the professional world of the Violinmaker either working independently or in a workshop where they gain more experience.

Who is the course for?

The course is designed for those with basic or no previous woodworking skills. The ability to play an instrument is desirable but not essential.

Course Content:

Foundation Year (Level 2)
The Foundation year is suitable for students with limited woodworking experience. The course is centred on construction of a 6-stringed Viola d'Amore. During the year students also explore wood technology and the history of the violin family. A separate qualification in tool making is also taken in our engineering workshops. After successful completion of the Foundation year, students will have learned the necessary skills to progress to level 3.

First Year- Violinmaking (Level 3)
Students entering the First year usually have some prior experience with instrument-making and are expected to have a reasonable level of skill with hand tools. At the end of the year, each student will have produced two Stradivari-pattern violins finished in 'the white'. There are also modules in Acoustics and Business Studies, both taught by Violinmakers. Students again follow a separate qualification in tool making and can produce a range of custom-designed making and repair tools.

Second Year- Repair and Restoration (Level 3)
In the second year, students begin by completing their two first-year violins by exploring the aesthetics and process of varnishing, followed by fitting up and sound adjustment. For the remainder of the year students learn a comprehensive range of repair and restoration techniques as used in any high-level professional workshop.

Third year-Advanced Instrument-making (Level 3)
Students consolidate their experience, negotiating a programme of work with their tutor and preparing for entry into the profession. This could encompass cello, viola and violinmaking. Students carry out their own research and work independently. There is input from visiting experts from the violin trade.

Level:
Level 2 and Level 3

Course Type:
Full Time

Assessment and Progression:
Practical work is reviewed and internally-assessed regularly. One unit is externally-tested at each level. On successful completion of all of the ASET level 3 qualification the student is eligible to enter the Newark School of Violinmaking Diploma Test. During this time-limited Test, the student makes a complete violin, fitted-up but not varnished. The Test is judged by experts from the Violin Trade and a very high standard is expected.

Progression
Successful completion of level 2 provides entry to level 3 in year two. Former students enjoy a range of job opportunities either employed directly by Luthiers or on a self-employed basis.

Duration:
4 years full time