Language: English

In this workshop you will learn about the world of violin making with important basic techniques. The goal is to make a technically and aesthetically important part of the instrument yourself: the sound hole. Under guidance, and with the help of essential violin making tools, you will draw shapes, cut and saw spruce wood. At the end you will varnish your workpiece and proudly bring home your self-made part of the violin.

Musical instrument making has a tradition of many centuries. Violin making has been a profession in its own right since the Renaissance. Naturally, the first thing everyone thinks of is the Great Stradivarius from Italy. But many do not know that there is also a great tradition in violin making in Germany. The university Westsächsische Hochschule Zwickau (WHZ), University of Applied Sciences that offers this workshop works in this tradition. Today, in addition to modern technologies, violin making is still connected to old traditions and experiences. Besides craft techniques, a large part of this profession is a knowledge of history and styles. You will get an insight into this, when you visit this workshop.

This workshop will be led by young violin makers Hannah and Karl from Germany. Hannah is a master violin maker based in Markneukirchen. Hannah finished her apprenticeship in 2017. Today she works at the place of her studies on the sidelines of teaching and helps the students with their scientific work. She also has an instrument making workshop with her partner. Karl finished his apprenticeship in 2019. Afterwards he did an internship in the Netherlands for eight months. Currently he is also studying Musical Instrument Technology.