The Vermont School of Violin Making is open for the summer months only.  The term of study begins in mid-May and extends through the end of September.  During the summer term each student will be given instruction for the building of a violin. 
      

Course Content for Part Time Students

       Part time students may begin working in the shop at any time during the summer if benches are available.  They are encouraged to work at least one full day per week or more if possible.  They may study any combination of violin making, repair or restoration.                                                         

Prerequisites for Full Time and Part Time Students 

        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 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 $350 per week.  Tuition in full is due one month prior to the start of the summer term.  Tuition is non-refundable. 
        Each student is responsible for obtaining his/her own tools and the materials needed for making 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

Charges for part-time students: $10/hour.
Each student is responsible for obtaining her/his 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 For Full Time Students

Applications are encouraged and welcomed year round. To apply for full time study, applicants 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).  

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, designs, and any completed instruments, or instruments in progress. 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 may be asked to fashion a cube of wood using only hand tools. Wood and tools will be supplied for this activity.  They may also be asked to make a pencil drawing of either a scroll or F-hole of a violin.

Application For Part Time Students

Students seeking part time instruction must call the School for an interview: 802-525-3386.
                                                                                                                

Upon Acceptance

A tool list, with suggested sources for purchase, will be sent before the summer term begins, and students will be expected to bring all 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 enrolled student must supply a current Certificate of Health Insurance submitted directly from your health insurance carrier, as well as a letter from your physician indicating you are in good health, and that your immunizations, including tetanus, are up to date. 

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