Following the success of our courses in 2022 - 2024, the 2025 course is intended for violin makers at the beginning of their careers who would like to gain more experience at setting up a violin. Being able to produce a good set-up will help throughout your career, whether as a maker or a restorer.
Book your spot on December 18th at 8pmGMT HERE
The tutors from the first courses are with us again for the 2025 edition!
With Andrew Fairfax we have an excellent tutor on board, who is well known in the violin world. He is not only a fine maker and restorer who continues to restore and study many of the most celebrated instruments, but he has also researched, written and lectured across Europe, North America, Australia and Asia on numerous aspects of violin history, making and restoration. Andrew has a special interest in set-ups and is always keen to help.
He will be joined by Kathrin Hügel, who still remembers very well the start of her career. After graduating from the Geigenbauschule in Mittenwald she worked in busy workshops for many years. After 6 years at Philip Brown Violins in Newbury, Berkshire, she set up her own workshop in Strasbourg, France. Kathrin has spent time in several workshops around the world; in Germany, New York and Canada.
During our week at Halsway we will concentrate on the set-up of a violin, particularly the sound post and bridge as these are the most crucial elements. Andrew and Kathrin will talk you through each step before applying the theory in practice. We will demonstrate the setting-up of a violin from sound post to strings, so that you can watch us working in real time.
12 places available - every student will have plenty of one-to-one time with the tutors. At the end of the week, you will leave with a step-by-step plan for how to make a bridge and soundpost.
Participants should have finished at least their second year at a violin making college (at the time of the course) or have a similar level of experience.
Cost
£800 - single non en-suite
£850 – single en-suite
The price includes teaching, accommodation and all meals.
Bursaries
Bursaries are available from the BVMA covering half the cost of the course. These will be prioritised to help people in the early stage of their career (within the first 8 years from the start of their training) and are available to those paying the full cost of the course themselves. They are not intended for those whose employers are funding them.
If you would like to be considered for a bursary, please express interest in the course via courses@bvma.org.uk by 15/02/2025 with up to 500 words outlining your experience, why you would like to attend and what you hope to get out of the course; including 3-6 pictures of your work.
What to bring
All benches, chairs and lights are provided but if you have a favourite chair please feel free to bring it. Participants should bring their own violin to work on, alongside the tools they usually use for set-up. Some bridges, sound posts and other accessories will be sponsored by The Soundpost.
How to book
Keep an eye on your e-mails for more information about booking your place. Not all places will be allocated straight away so please add yourself to the waiting list if your place isn’t allocated immediately.
There is a £100 deposit with the remaining balance being payable by the end of March 2025.