Learn the repair and maintenance of violin family instruments and bows to a professional level of quality -- plus, you have the option to make a violin in this unique two-semester program.
Major Details
In the Violin Repair and Making program at Minnesota State College Southeast in Red Wing, students learn about tools, woods, materials, and common repair and maintenance techniques.
The Violin Repair diploma at MSC Southeast is unique in that it is structured for an entire academic year (two semesters). Other institutions offer shorter workshops, some as brief as a week, that offer an overview of the repair process. There are 3 and 4- year programs that teach violin making but do not provide the same degree of in-depth focus on repairing instruments and bows.
Our students learn in-depth by completing many different repair process multiple times during the year of study. Every step of learning is supported by expert demonstration and lecture.
- Fine motor skills, patience and the ability to focus on the work at hand are essential.
- No previous experience with woodworking is required as violin repair is very different from other woodworking crafts. You will learn from the ground up.
- Students have the option to make a violin over the course of the two-semester program, including varnishing and professional set up.
The aim of the Violin Repair and Making program is for students to be prepared to work in the best violin shops in the world and to continue the lifelong process of learning the art. In recent years, our students have achieved 100% job placement: those who earn the Violin Repair diploma and are seeking employment have consistently found work in the field.
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Courses
1) 1000 level (minimum) General Education courses required unless specified.
GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
VLNR1301
Introduction to Tools
This course covers hand tool preparation and use, and power tool safety, set up, adjustment and use. Time is spent on tool preparation and sharpening and some tools are made. Accurate measuring, marking and shaping using hand and power tools is practiced. (Prerequisite: None) (2 credits: 0 lecture/2 lab)
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2 cr
VLNR1312
Introduction to Violin Playing
A basic skill at violin playing is necessary for adjusting instruments for sound. Students learn correct left and right hand positions, bow motion, scales, simple pieces and basic music theory. (Prerequisite: None) (1 credit: 1 lecture/0 lab)
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1 cr
VLNR1315
Violin History
The important violin makers of the past and present are the subject of this class. Italian, French, English, German, and American makers are covered, including stylistic differences and comparative values. (Prerequisite: None) (2 credits: 2 lecture/0 lab)
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2 cr
VLNR1325
Bow Repairs
This class covers several kinds of grips, tip plate replacement, eyelets and frog and stick cracks. Materials identification and history of the modern bow are included. (Prerequisite: none) (2 credit: 0 lecture/2 lab)
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2 cr
VLNR1341
Ebony Work
This course covers the parts of instruments normally made of ebony, including pegs, nuts, fingerboards, saddles, and end buttons and end pins. There is a fee of $12 charged for this course. (Prerequisites: VLNR1301, VLNR1305) (5 credits: 2 lecture/3 lab)
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5 cr
VLNR1351
Bridges and Soundposts
Soundposts and bridges are critical to the sound and playability of an instrument. Students learn where and how to fit the soundpost and bridge to each individual instrument and how to carve the bridge for optimum sound and aesthetic appeal. Students will fit at least 12 violin/viola soundposts and bridges, five cello soundposts and bridges and one bass soundpost and bridge. (Prerequisites: VLNR1301, VLNR1305, VLNR1321) (8 credits: 2 lecture/6 lab)
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8 cr
VLNR1370
Violin Construction I
Violin Construction is for students wishing to learn the basics of building a violin. The course covers tool skills, use of appropriate materials, points of violin making style, and some historic context. (Prerequisites: Introduction to Tools, and Basic Materials, or instructor permission) (6 credits: 2 lecture/4 lab)
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6 cr
Total Credits Required for this Major: 39 Credits
Estimated Costs for this Major
| Approximate Tuition/Fees: | $8,849 |
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| Minimum Tool Cost: | $1,450 |
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| Books/Supplies: | $170 |
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| Estimated Total: | $10,469 |
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Career Opportunities
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Music Stores
- Repair Shops
- Musical Instrument Manufacturers
- Entrepreneurial Opportunities
Career Information
Use the MN DEED Career and Education Explorer Data Tool to learn about wages, job growth, And much more in this career field.
Outcomes
Violin Repair and Making Program graduates will be able to:
- Perform a professional set up on a violin, viola, and cello. This includes fitting pegs, making nuts, fingerboards, saddles, fitting soundposts and bridges.
- Diagnose and perform violin family repairs to a professional level of quality. This includes taking apart, gluing, reinforcing, making replacement parts, and repairing the varnish.
- Diagnose and perform basic bow repairs and maintenance, including rehairing and grip replacement, to a professional level. Crack gluing and reinforcement may be included.
- Demonstrate a working knowledge of the violinmakers of the past and present.
- Identify natural resins, solvents, and oils, including their characteristics used in varnish making and touch ups.
- Identify instrument making woods and related materials, including characteristics and origins.
- Prepare, make, and use basic and specialty hand and power tools.
- Communicate effectively using written, oral, and electronic methods.
Highlights
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Unique in length and comprehensiveness in the United States
Instructors
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Stephen Rossow
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Steve Rossow is the lead instructor in Violin Repair and Violin Making at MSC Southeast. He earned diplomas in both Violin Repair and Guitar Repair & Building at the college in 2002. He then apprenticed with luthier John R. Waddle in Saint Paul, under whom he studied violin making and restoration. Returning to MSC Southeast as a full-time instructor in 2010, Steve designed a curriculum for incorporating CNC work into guitar making and taught in the second-year guitar program before moving into his current role in the Violin program. Steve is a member of The American Federation of Violin and Bow Makers.
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Charlotte Matis
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Charlotte Matis graduated from MSC Southeast in 2002 with a diploma in Violin Repair, and also completed Archtop Instrument Construction in 2003. After a year doing repair in Milwaukee at Cascio Interstate Music, she moved to the workshop at Claire Givens Violins, whom she worked for until 2012. That spring she opened Blackbird's Music Store in Minneapolis, where she is shop foreman and teaches violin. Charlotte can also be found playing her fiddle with various local bands.