We promote the art and craft of bowed string instrument making through our magazine, short courses, conferences and annual Makers’ Day event
Our Mission
Founded in 1996, the BVMA is dedicated to promoting the art and craft of violin making, supporting its members, and encouraging the next generation of makers
If you are a professional, an amateur or an enthusiast from anywhere in the world you can join us today.
The BVMA is grateful for the support from a variety of partners
The Soundpost | AR Distribution | Warchal | Anima-Nova | Barnes & Mullins | D’addario | Picreator | Pirastro
The BVMA serves as a valuable resource for its members, providing opportunities for networking, education, and professional development. Members of the BVMA have access to a wide range of resources, including workshops, seminars, and conferences, as well as a network of experienced colleagues and our Quarterly Magazine
Our members are not limited to being residents of Britain. We have hundreds of members of different nationalities spread across the globe.
Our quarterly magazine includes interviews, articles about making and repair techniques and discussions relating to all elements of our craft.
The BVMA was founded over 25 years ago, and continues to grow. We run regular short courses and conferences to support our members
Our short courses provide the opportunity for professional development and networking across the breadth of our diverse membership base. Whether you’re fresh out of college or have been working in the industry for decades, we’ll have a course for you.
Our courses are usually residential across 5-10 days. They are either lead by a tutor, or are set up with a peer learning system.
One of our short courses two venues, Halsway manor is based in the beautiful hills of Somerset. As the centre for Folk Arts, we blend in well among their other course offerings.
Our second venue for short courses is Westhope College in the famous area of outstanding national beauty: Shropshire. The college is an independent facility run by a small but dedicated team.
Rory Boardman / Short Course Participant
The BVMA is run by a dedicated committee, working hard to plan events and courses throughout the year.
Becoming a member of the BVMA gives you direct access to the welcoming community of bowed string family instrument makers and repairers. We’re open to students, professional, amateurs and even musicians who have no experience of making but would like to get to know our industry more!
We run a variety of short courses throughout the year. They are announced every few months, see what is currently available or browse our past courses.
Have an idea for an article? Find out below what we’re looking for and how to submit to us.
See our membership options below. We have different rates for students, recent graduates, and retirees.
You can still keep up to date with the BVMA’s latest news and events by subscribing to our newsletter
