About Us
Mission Statement
The Violin Society of America (VSA) is a non-profit organization created for the purpose of promoting the craft of making, repairing, and preserving stringed musical instruments and their bows. With over 1,000 members worldwide, we're the preeminent organization dedicated to violin family instruments.
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What We Do
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Conventions: Connect with 500+ professionals and enthusiasts each November. Examine rare and historically significant instruments, explore the latest research and participate in auctions & fun challenges.
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Competition: Our flagship biennial event showcases excellence in instrument and bow making around the world, with 400+ entries judged by renowned experts. Open to members in good standing. No prior experience or training required.
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Education Support: VSA Scholarships have grown to $30,000+ annually since 1970, helping students offset training costs at seven schools across Canada, the United States, and Mexico—developing generations of professional luthiers.
- Grants: Financial support for initiatives that advance The VSA’s core mission. Awarded semi-annually to individuals, groups, or organizations engaged in scholarship, documentation, or technical inquiry that contributes meaningfully to the field.
- Publications: Access peer-reviewed technical research in The VSA Papers covering making, restoration and acoustics. Stay current with The Scroll, a membership magazine featuring articles and photography for makers, historians and collectors.
Our Impact
- Supporting students in violin-making programs across North America.
- Documenting the advancement of the field, including resources available at The VSA Library at Oberlin Conservatory.
- Funding groundbreaking research in acoustics, conservation, restoration, materials, and historical making.
- Building a global community of instrument and bow making excellence.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
The VSA welcomes and celebrates members of all backgrounds. Our strength lies in bringing diverse perspectives to the craft of violin making. We actively work to ensure equal access and opportunities across all VSA programs.
§ 1.5 – Policy of nondiscrimination (AMENDED) The VSA shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, gender, gender identity, religion, or sexual orientation in any of its policies, practices, or procedures.
These words are not enough by themselves. But they are a mandate to uphold equal access across VSA endeavors for the benefit of all members. Join us in promoting the mission by protecting an open and welcoming organization in pursuit of instrument and bow making excellence.
Our Story
Founded in 1973 by Albert Kaplan, Albert Mell, and Eric Chapman among others, the VSA emerged during a critical time for violin craft in America. With major workshops closing and a lack of institutions to support further exploration and education of the trade, these visionaries gathered dealers, makers, and enthusiasts to preserve and advance violin-making knowledge for future generations.
Today, we continue their mission through education, competition, research and community building. Explore the complete history of The VSA by Phil Kass.