The regular course of study is for two years (4 semesters).  During that time each student will be given instruction for the completion of four instruments, including three violins, and one viola.  Students will also learn basic violin repair and setup.

For instruction in cello building and extensive violin restoration, a third year at the school is available for advanced students.

We do take students partway through the program if there are benches available. 

Course Content for Part Time Students

Part time students may begin working in the shop at any time during the regular school year if benches are available.  No summer classes are offered.  They are encouraged to work at least one full day per week or more if possible.  They may study any combination of violin making, instrument repair/restoration                                                         

Full time students are required to play a stringed instrument, the violin, viola, cello, bass, viol or fiddle. Students may begin studying the instrument upon acceptance to the Vermont School of Violin Making.   Arrangements for lessons can be made locally with a private teacher.  Thurmond is available to give private cello and bass lessons.

It is suggested that students attend drawing classes prior to or during the course semesters.

Individuals suffering with carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, over-use syndrome, poly-allergy syndrome or wood dust allergy should not apply. The violin shop is not handicap accessible.

Tuition for full time students is $5000 for the first semester and $5000 for the second semester, to be paid in full one month prior to the start of each semester.  The tuition is non-refundable.  Each student is responsible for obtaining their own tools and the materials needed for making their instruments.  Wood and materials are available for purchase at the School.  The School will provide contact information for violin tool suppliers as well as an extensive tool list.                                                                                                           

Costs for Part Time Students

Tuition for part time students is on an hourly or daily basis and is due at the start of each class.  Hourly rate: $10
                                                                                                                                               Daily rate:    $70
For each additional day per week in the shop, the hourly rate is reduced by one dollar.  For example, the hourly rate for one day of study is $10, and for two days of study per week is $9.  For three days of study per week  the hourly rate is $8.
Each student is responsible for obtaining their own tools and the materials needed for making their instruments.  Wood and materials are available for purchase at the School.  The School will provide contact information for violin making tool suppliers as well as an extensive tool list.   

 Application

Applications are encouraged and welcomed year round. To apply for full time study, candidates should send a resume' along with three letters of recommendation, including at least one from either a music teacher, a woodworking instructor or an art teacher (if applicable).  

Part time students need to call the school for an interview.

Upon review of the submitted application, an in-person interview may be scheduled at the School. Applicants are asked to bring their portfolio of art work, drawings and designs, and any instruments in progress or that have been completed. Musicians should bring their instrument and prepare one or two short pieces, if possible, or plan on sight-reading.

As part of the interview, applicants will be asked to fashion a cube of wood using only hand tools. Wood and tools will be supplied for this activity.  They will also be asked to make a pencil drawing of either a scroll or F-hole of a violin.
                                                                                                                

A tool list, with suggested sources for purchase, will be sent before the semester begins, and students will be expected to bring the indicated tools and supplies for the first day of class. Experience in sharpening and using hand tools (block plane, violin maker's knife, gouges, chisels, files, coping saw, cabinet scrapers, flexible scrapers and finger planes) is preferred but not required.

Housing is the responsibility of the student. Various houses and apartments are available for rental in the area of Glover and Barton, all within a ten-mile radius of the shop. Upon request, the school will provide a list of real estate offices in the area, which handle housing.

Each student must supply proof of health insurance in effect during the school year. Smoking is not allowed on shop property.

If you have further questions, please feel free to contact The Vermont School of Violin Making via email or phone.

Contact Information

Vermont School of Violin Making
385 Hinman Road
Glover, Vermont 05839
802-525-3386
Contact