Introduction to Violin Making

• New Instructors - Todd Goldenberg and Jay VandeKopple

• New Workshops - Cello Set-Up and Bass Set-Up

• New Guest Speaker - Philip J. Kass
  Historical Overview of Stringed Instrument Making
  Saturday, July 14 & Sunday, July 15
  FREE  for 2018 Violin Institute Participants
  A limited number of seats are available for purchase.

Schedule:

• Bow Rehairing
  Offered twice: June 18-22 and June 25-29
  Instructor: Lynn Hannings; Teaching Assistant: Amanda Kapousouz

• Bow Repair I
  July 2-6
  Instructor: Lynn Hannings; Teaching Assistant: Amanda Kapousouz

• Bow Making: with a Focus on Historical Preservation
  Offered twice: July 9-13 and July 16-20
  Instructor: Lynn Hannings; Teaching Assistant: Mike Brough

• Bow Making & Repair - Independent Study
  Bow Repair II, Tool  Making, Frog & Button Making & Bow Finishing
  July 2-6
  Instructor: George Rubino; Teaching Assistant: Kevin Curry

• Basic Violin Set-Up I & Tool Use
  June 18-22
  Instructor: Francis Morris; Teaching Assistant: Mike Daddona

• Violin Set-Up II, Adjustment & Basic Repair
  June 25-29
  Instructor: Paul Wiessmeyer; Teaching Assistant: Randy Kellogg

• Intermediate Violin Repair & Sound Adjustments
  July 2-6
  Instructor: Paul Wiessmeyer; Teaching Assistant: Randy Kellogg

• Cello Set-Up & Tonal Adjustments
  July 9-13
  Instructor: Paul Wiessmeyer; Teaching Assistant: Randy Kellogg

• Violin & Viola Building
  Offered twice: July 9-13 and July 16-20
  NEW Instructor: Todd Goldenberg; Teaching Assistant: Claire Curtis

• Bass Set-Up
  July 16-20
  NEW Instructor: Jay VandeKopple; Teaching Assistant: Keiran O'Hara

Tool Sharpening Workshop (FREE)
Offered twice: June 17 and June 24
June 17 - Teaching Assistant: Mike Daddona
June 24 - Teaching Assistant: Randy Kellogg

Small Business Workshop (FREE)
July 17
Instructor: Richard Grogan

REFUND POLICY

The $100 per section deposit is non-refundable. Tuition refunds, less the $100 deposit, will be given if written withdrawal is received prior to May 1, 2018. No tuition refunds will be made after May 1, 2018.

HOUSING & MEALS 

Housing & Meals are not included in cost of tuition. Housing and meals are arranged at your own discretion, you have the option of reserving on-campus housing including breakfast at a reasonable rate. Download our housing form.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Please contact luthiers@unh.edu or call the Professional Development & Training office at (603) 862-7380.

University of New Hampshire
Putnam Hall - Workshop Location
34 Sage Way, Durham, NH 03824

Handler Hall Dormitory - Residence Hall
5 Demeritt Circle, Durham, NH 03824
Check-in Sunday nights from 4-8 p.m.

Institute Location

The University is located on 156 wooded acres in Durham, New Hampshire and is only a 90-minute drive from Boston, Massachusetts; 10 miles from the Atlantic Ocean; and 40 miles from the foothills of the White Mountains National Forest. The historic seacoast town of Portsmouth is 10 miles east of Durham.
Download a campus map.

WEEKEND TRAVEL ALERT - ALLOW EXTRA TIME ON ROUTE 95 - SUMMER TRAFFIC CREATES DELAYS

Travel Information

Local airports:  Boston’s Logan International Airport or from Manchester (NH). Limousine service and bus service are available from either airport. AMTRAK also runs service from Boston, MA to UNH in Durham, NH. If you are flying into the area, we recommend selecting an airline with a flexible refund or ticket change policy in the event of unexpected circumstances.

C&J Bus service from Logan Airport to Portsmouth or Dover, NH. You will need to take a taxi from the end point to Durham.
C&J tickets cost $23 one way.

AMTRACK Downeaster-Train Service from Boston North Station, MA, to Durham, NH.
You will need to take transportation from Logan to Boston North Station.
AMTRAK tickets one way cost $19.
The Durham train station is a short walk to the Putnam Hall workskhop location. The walk from the train station to the dormitory, Handler Hall, is a little more than a 1/5 mile.

Room and Board

On-Campus Housing

Housing and meals are not included in the tuition. However, on-campus air-conditioned housing, including breakfast, is available for an extra charge. Housing reservations can be made by calling (603) 862-0863 or (603) 862-1900. For more information, please download the following forms:

• On-Campus Housing & Meals, General Information and Registration Forms

Off-Campus Housing

• Holiday Inn, Durham, NH
• Three Chimney's Inn, Durham, NH

For More Information about Housing

• Email: conferences@unh.edu
• Call (603) 862-0863 or (603) 862-1900
• Write to: University Conference Office, Stillings Hall, 20 Ballard Street, Durham, NH 03824
• Visit website at www.conferences.unh.edu

Dining

On-Campus

Holloway Commons Dining Hall Hours

Breakfast: 6:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Lunch: 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Dinner: 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Breakfast is included with on-campus housing. Participants may also eat meals in the UNH dining hall on a pay-as-you-go basis. UNH Dining Services will be closed July 3rd and 4th. Participants here at that time will be given alternative available dining options. Dining hall hours may be subject to change.

Off-Campus

Durham has a market and several restaurants to serve your dining needs.

Mail

Deliveries (packages/letters) may be sent to:

“Your Name” c/o UNH Violin Institute Stoke Hall, Room G50
11 Garrison Avenue
Durham, NH 03824

Mailing Packages Home:

Main Street Mailing and Copy - UPS & FedEx
54 Main St.
Durham NH 03824
(603) 868-1002
Hours: M-F, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Closed weekends

US Postal Office
2 Madbury Rd
Durham, NH 03824
(603) 868-2151
Hours: M-F, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

UNH (Durham, NH) Parking and Transportation

Everyone with a car needs a parking permit. Participants with a car must request a parking permit  as a part of registration and will receive their permits upon arrival. Parking permit fees are included in the registration. Parking permits will be given to registered participants who requested one at the dorm Sunday night in the housing packet or Monday, the first day of class.

Wildcat Transit, the UNH bus service, runs Monday – Friday 7:20 a.m. – 5 p.m. Dispatch Phone: (603) 862-2328. CALL THE DISPATCHER WITH ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT UNH BUS SERVICE.

Bus stops for service between Handler Hall and Putnam Hall are located in front of Kingsbury Hall (near Putnam) and Main Street (@Field House & Mast Road). The Service Connector runs every 20 minutes. When you get off at Main Street, you will need to walk down Mast Road to Putnam Hall.

The UNH Wildcat Bus Service if FREE on campus. For service to Portsmouth it cost $1.50. There is no weekend bus service during the summer.

If you don’t have a car and don’t want to take the bus, walking around campus is easy and good exercise!

Additional Options

• Coast Bus: (603) 743-5777, serves southeastern NH. Limited Saturday schedule and no Sunday service.
• Zip Cars are available for rent on campus. Applications to use Zip Cars must be completed at least one month in advance of your arrival.
• Taxi Services (Taxi Rides between Portsmouth & Durham typically cost $35-$45)
  • Great Bay Taxi Dover: (603) 742-5000, Dover, NH
  • Blue Star Taxi: (603) 436-2774
  • Great Bay Taxi: (603) 326-8294 (Ask for discount Rate 5)
  • Portsmouth Taxi: (603) 431-6811 (operates 24/7)
  • Rockingham Taxi: (603) 501-0960
• AMTRAK Downeaster: Daily train service between Boston, MA and Durham, NH. Phone: Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL.
• Private Car Service: Probably the most direct way to get to Durham from Logan or Manchester, NH airports.
  • Great Bay Limousine Service: (603) 431-6490, Lafayette Road, Portsmouth, NH
  • Q Chauffeured Services – Jerry Freeman: (603) 334-6386 or email jerry@ridewithq.com
  • Other car services available online
• Uber

Campus Recreation

Whittemore Center

The 104,425 square foot Whittemore Center provides the University community (inclusive of summer studies students) with the latest recreational sports facilities, equipment and a new outdoor pool. There is a per day rate for an adult guest pass to the recreation center. The guest pass may be obtained at the service desk located at the Whittemore Center on Main Street. A daily pass is $11. Guests under the age of 19 are only permitted during designated family programs. A driver’s license is required to show proof of age. Summer hours are scheduled for Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. On Saturdays and Sundays, the facility is open from noon to 5 p.m. The CRC will be closed July 4th. For updated information on the CRC, please call the service desk at 603-862-2031 or visit the campus recreation website.

Mendum’s Pond

For summer recreation, swimming, and boating, Mendum's Pond recreation area is just seven miles from Durham. Visit the campus recreation website, click on the “facilities” tab and view hours and information about Mendum’s Pond. There is no lifeguard on duty, so do not go swimming alone.

Medical Care

Health Services

Located at 4 Pettee Brook Lane in Durham, across Main Street from Holloway Commons. Students have access to Health Services. Services are provided on a fee-for-service basis. Health Services will bill your insurance company if you present your insurance card. If you do not have a card, payment must be made at Health Services at the time of service. Heath Services is open M–F, from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. It is closed on weekends.

For more information regarding Health Services, please call (603) 862-9355.

Medical emergency

Call *911 (from a campus phone) or 911 (from a non-campus phone)

Getting Medical Care When UNH Health Services is Closed

What to do when you need medical services and Health Services is closed? You have the following options available:

• Medical Emergency: For a medical problem requiring immediate assistance, call 911 to get an ambulance.
• Minor Illness & Injuries: If medical treatment is not urgent but you are not sure treatment can wait until Health Services is open, call Health Services at (603) 862-WELL (9355) and press 2. You will be automatically connected with a medical call center, where staff will conduct a phone assessment, and make suggestions for additional care options, including a visit to an urgent care center or hospital, if appropriate.

Nearest Hospitals

Wentworth Douglass Hospital, 789 Central Ave, Dover, NH 03820, (603) 742-5252

Portsmouth Hospital, 333 Borthwick Ave., Portsmouth, NH 03801, (603) 436-5110

Security

Campus Security: 2-1427 (from Campus phone) or (603) 862-1427 (from a non-campus phone)
Emergency Contact: Dial *911 from campus phone or 911 for non-campus phone

Material and Tool Lists for Summer 2018 Violin Institute

Bow Rehairing
Lynn Hannings
Click here

Bow Repair I
Lynn Hannings
Click here

Bow Making
Lynn Hannings
Click here

Bow Repair II & Tool Making
George Rubino
Click here

Frog & Button Making
George Rubino
Click here

Bow Finishing
George Rubino
Click here

Basic Violin Set-up I and Tool Use
Francis Morris
Click here

Violin Set-up II, Adjustment and Basic Repair
Paul Wiessmeyer
Click here

Intermediate Violin Repair & Sound Adjustments
Paul Wiessmeyer
Click here

Cello Set-Up & Tonal Adjustments
Paul Wiessmeyer
Click here

Violin & Viola Building
Todd Goldenberg
Click here

Bass Set-up
Jay VandeKopple
Click here

Bass Set-up

I have had the pleasure of knowing Jay VandeKopple for about two decades; first as a colleague, and more recently as co-facilitator and director of the Oberlin/VSA Bass Workshops. Jay was instrumental in forming that group, and has done an admirable job of running it for the last several sessions. Jay’s background in music, mathematics and acoustics makes him uniquely qualified to assess and adjust the tone and playability of string instruments, especially the string bass, his own personal instrument. He is an excellent teacher with many years experience, and approaches his instructing in a hands-on, no-judgement manner. He is extremely organized, a trait which has served the Oberlin workshop (and previously, the Catgut Acoustical Society) well. Personality-wise, he is both decisive and likeable, a rare and desirable combination in an instructor.

Arnold Schnitzer ? AES Fine Instruments, NY

Violin Set-up

My first week at the Violin Institute changed my life. A life-long strings player, I’d started working at a violin shop months before, doing basic set-ups and often learning as I went. When the opportunity to learn in a classroom setting presented itself, I jumped at the chance. Under the tutelage of Francis Morris and Michael Daddona, what had begun as an occupational curiosity bloomed into a full-blown obsession. Mike and Francis were patient, informative and personable. Their course was masterfully laid out, comprehensive and I found myself experiencing an excitement not unlike the early pangs of falling in love. I am beyond grateful for the skills gained, interests piqued and friendships forged through this course. I can’t speak highly enough of both Francis and Mike, their expertise and their talent for teaching. Through example they instilled a respect for the craft and the eagerness to enter a lifetime of learning.

MorganEve Swain ? McCarten Violins, Rhode Island

String Repair Shop

While working as a string repair employee for a company deeply involved with school music programs, I was approached about rehairing and repairing some bows for a particular school. Not being familiar with the processes I purchased a book and attempted to rehair a bow. After too much time and a poor result, I realized I needed to look elsewhere. Having seen the ads for the UNH program I spoke with my boss and expressed my interest in attending pointing out that this would be another service we could offer our customers. He saw this potential and worked out an agreement with me to split the tuition, which I repaid with small deductions from ensuing paychecks. I also collected my regular salary while 'working' at the UNH class. The first year I got involved with the rehair process but also developed an intense curiosity about bows. Over the years, my boss saw the benefit of the program and I continued to study at UNH expanding to repairs and eventually making. The skills learned at UNH improved my company’s business prospects but now, in retirement, I can give my attention to making and selling bows. It is a great transition from a very enjoyable career to a very enjoyable retirement.

Kevin Curry ? New York

Bow Rehairing

As a repair luthier with over twenty years of experience, I can honestly state that the bow rehairing workshop taught by Lynn Hannings was the most incredible and informative week of instruction that I have ever received. Her classroom demonstrations are comprehensible and always followed by one on one instruction that is tailored to each individual. Lynn graciously shares invaluable knowledge that most could never obtain without taking this course. She genuinely cares for the health and happiness of musicians and provides a wonderful model for future bow makers.

David Rhodes ? Fuller's Music, North Carolina

Exceeding Expecations - Developing Career Skills

The UNH Violin Craftsmanship Institute is the right place to go if you are looking to learn the basics, or achieve the highest level of skills training to repair/make a stringed instrument or bow. The expert faculty at the Violin Craftsmanship Institute teach skills exceeding the expectations you would experience at a vocational technology school. At UNH, you will find the right combination of high-level standards for career professionals and individual attention for novices. Both students who simply want to learn basics of string instrument repair & bow rehairing or professionals advancing their abilities, develop valuable career skills under the patient guidance of the instructors. Any level of learner will gain practical work experience under the true master instructors at the Institute.

Charles Wolf ? All Four Strings, CA

Violin Repair

While it goes without saying that Paul Wiessmeyer is a master luthier (every piece of wood he touches is transformed perfectly), he also is a gifted teacher. He presents his lesson plans clearly and generously devotes equal time to each of his students.

Joe Fili ? New Jersey

Frog Making & Bow Finishing

I have had the good fortune of studying Frog Making and Bow Finishing with George Rubino at UNH. George runs his classes in a very organized and systematic way with numerous demonstrations throughout the class, which include proper use of tools to ensure the best outcome. Frog Making follows a systematic outline that helps students avoid making mistakes by doing things in the wrong order, as it is very precise and detailed work. Emphasis is placed on functionality as well as aesthetics. In Finishing Bows, we learned a systematic approach to graduating the stick to optimize the playability of the finished bow. Students entering this class know how to make bows but Finishing Bows fills in gaps at the end of the process that improves the students’ work greatly. George also shares relevant stories from his experience that give insight to the career of bow making. Each year I have been very happy to see my work improve dramatically after returning home. I recommend the UNH bow making classes to anyone interested in learning this craft and career. In particular, I recommend George’s classes to those who have advanced through the beginning and intermediate stages of the process.

 

Kirk McLendon ? North Carolina

Professional Musician

Even though I am a professional musician, most of us in the field have very little knowledge about bow rehairing. I thought it would be useful to know more, and signed up on a luthier’s recommendation. Little did I know that our “Prof,” Lynn Hannings, would make this very challenging work so interesting and enjoyable. She is a master teacher with her enormous knowledge and years of experience, but also in the manner she organized and paced the class. With our class size – small enough for individual attention yet large enough to learn for fellows’ trials and errors – we received a great deal of information, not just by seeing her do it, but by guided hands-on practice at our workbenches. Lynn and her assistant were very helpful and encouraging to each of us, no matter what our levels (very mixed) – they clearly wanted us to succeed. Lynn’s love for this bow work was infectious, and I went home not just with a very useful skill and knowledge, but the “bug bit me” to do this – and my workbench has seen quite a few student bows since July. Thank you for having this Institute, and for having master teachers like Lynn Hannings sharing their gifts with us! Note: Sadly, Dr. Pinoci passed away this year (April 2018). We were fortunate to have her as a participant at the Institute. She will be missed.

Dr. Karen Pinoci ? New Jersey

Violin Institute

It was a great experience in all respects. There were participants from every background and part of the country, each with a different reason to be there. The instructor somehow made it all work by setting the highest possible standards for precision while taking a flexible and supportive approach to helping participants go as far as they could in achieving that standard. It opened up a world of understanding that I probably could not have gained any other way.

Bill Duncan ? New Hampshire

Configure

A New and Successful Career

The Violin Craftsmanship Institute was a life-changer for me. It opened the door to a new and successful career. The instructors are top-notch professionals in their field and they are committed and capable teachers. My four summers at the University of New Hampshire were instrumental in starting my training as a luthier. I am indebted to Lynn Hannings and Horst Kloss for their guidance and professionalism. 

Carolyn Foulkes ? Perrin and Associates Fine Violins - Baltimore, MD