2023 UNH Violin Craftmanship Institute will be held online.
This hands-on course is designed for the novice and/or beginner-level student wanting to learn the basic bench skills for setting up a 4/4 violin. Whether you currently work in a violin shop, are considering starting your own business, or just want to be able to check your own (or students’) instruments for correct fittings & measurements, this course will give you the foundational information & hands-on skills that are necessary for positive results. Learning the essentials of how to properly fit pegs, the nut, sound post, end button, and discussing all aspects of correct measurements are all part of this 1-week course.
Be sure to take “Knife & Tool Sharpening for Instrument Making and Repair" (available in May) as a prerequisite to find a higher level of success with this course and your personal bench skills.
A list of tools and materials can be found in the Tools & Materials tab above, or by clicking here.
This course was previously titled "Basic Violin Setup I and Tool Use"
Michael began his career in woodworking in the mid 90’s as a furniture and cabinet maker. With a deep love of music and a desire to practice a more traditional craft, he eventually turned to violin making. He began an apprenticeship in the workshop of Francis Morris where he stayed for eleven years. Michael has also had numerous short term trainings with many recognized masters currently in the field, and has numerous relationships with some of today’s finest living makers.
Michael has been awarded a Certificate of Merit for Tone at the 2018 Violin Society of America’s international violin making competition. He has taught violin set up and continues to teach varnishing at the University of New Hampshire Violin Craftsmanship Institute. He is a co-founder of Temple Violins in Hudson, NY.
