Musical Instrument Craft (Violin Making and Repair) With Foundation Year

*Subject to approval

The BA (Hons) Musical Instrument Craft (Violin Making and Repair) is designed to give students the opportunity to learn professional techniques for the repair and restoration of stringed instruments covering the main requirements of the violin trade, including bow repair. All of these skills are as much in demand today as they were 300 or 400 years ago.

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

The School of Violin Making and Restoration has strong links with the international violin trade. Experts in the field act as advisors to the course as well as visiting to give lectures. Graduates can be found in many of the top workshops around the world as makers and restorers of the violin, viola and cello.

Situated in its own building in the centre of historic Newark on Trent, the School is itself an international community with many social and cultural opportunities.

Foundation Year

The foundation year has been designed for students who wish to pursue a career in violin making and repair but don't have the necessary practical experience or skills to join the BA (Hons) Musical Instrument Craft (Violin Making and Repair) course.

This one-year foundation course can provide students with the opportunity to develop the underpinning skills and knowledge to progress onto the Level 6 Bachelor's degree - preparing them for progression.

Students have the opportunity to make elements of a violin based on the Stradivari design and to develop their skills and techniques in making instruments, with the option to work towards the completion of the instrument at their own pace.

This includes: the use of hardwoods and softwoods, use and maintenance of tools, marking out from plans and data sheets, template and jig making, joints used in instrument making and types and use of adhesives.

Students can receive support with study skills in preparation for access to the BA (Hons) course in Violin Making and Repair.