A methodical approach to violin retouching has been developed and divided into six sections. It is designed to be progressive in technical complexity and difficulty. Retouching is learned through a combination of practical theory, demonstrations, and one-on-one coaching. Not all six steps will be covered in one seminar. Your progression in the course will depend on your own personal skill development and the general skill level of the group. To ensure the best possible experience, we attempt to assemble a group of class participants with approximately the same skill level.
For a complete course description and tool list, please visit https://ranunculus-lion-rd23.squarespace.com/retouch-seminar
Born in 1968 in a picturesque village near Mont Blanc in the French Alps, Olivier Pérot went on to study violin making at the school in Mirecourt, graduating in 1987. Upon completion of his military duty with the French Army, Monsieur Pérot secured a highly sought after position in the shop of the well known French master-luthier, Jean Schmitt, in Lyon. Under the tutelage of Jean Schmitt and Claude Macabrey, O. Pérot developed and honed his talent in restoration and retouching. His sophisticated skills were recognized in 1994 when he was appointed chef d’atelier at Wilder & Davis Luthier in Montreal and again in 2002 when he was granted membership to the International Society of Violin and Bow-makers (IELA). Since 2016 he has served as president of IELA.
Since 1997, Maitre Pérot has operated his own violin shop in Montreal, successfully catering to the needs of a local and international clientele of string players. Maitre Pérot has continued the French tradition of apprentissage by training numerous aspiring luthiers in his shop. When M. Pérot is not at the bench, you might spot him touring on his bicycle or enjoying his favourite activity - mountain climbing.
Paul Wiessmeyer graduated from the world-renowned violinmaking school in Mittenwald, Germany, in 1981. Subsequently he worked at the shops of Hans Weisshaar and Robert Cauer in Los Angeles before opening his own shop in LA in 1986. Since 1991, he has owned and operated Paul Wiessmeyer Violins in Boston, Massachusetts, a full-service shop specializing in repair, service, sound adjustments, and sales of violins, violas, and celli. His clients include symphony players, professional musicians, conservatory students, and schools. He is a member of the American Federation of Violin & Bowmakers and the Violin Society of America. Paul has won several gold medals for his instruments at the H. Wienawski competition and the violin making competition of the Violin Society of America. In 2016, he was selected to judge the Violin Society of America’s making competition.
