Resources
The following is an annotated list of resources aligned with the VSA’s mission.
International Instrument Making Associations
American Federation of Violin and Bow Makers
Founded in 1980, the AFVMB strives to establish a standard of work and expertise. Comprising over 170 makers, dealers and restorers in the United States and Canada, the Federation's mission is to enhance public understanding of the violin and bow families.
The group emphasizes strict membership requirements, a peer-evaluation process, adherence to a Code of Ethics and a commitment to preserving the centuries-old tradition of violin and bow making through various activities and a comprehensive photographic archive.
British Violin Making Association
Established in 1996, the BVMA unites talented and innovative violin makers worldwide. It promotes the art and craft of violin making, supports its members and fosters the next generation of makers.
Offering opportunities for networking, education and professional development, the BVMA also promotes broader appreciation through exhibitions, events and public education programs.
Entente Internationale des Luthiers et Archetiers (EILA)
Established in 1950 and based in France, the Entente Internationale comprises around 170 violin and bow makers globally. It was founded to foster friendship, exchange and collaboration among master craftsmen.
Certified makers uphold professionalism and offer services including maintenance, repairs, tonality and restoration. Its global network of workshops strives to provide consistent expertise.
Associazione Liutaria Italiana (ALI)
Founded in 1980 in Cremona, the Italian Violinmaking Association provides cultural and technical assistance to its membership, which includes professional violin and bow makers, scholars, experts and enthusiasts.
Through its magazine Liuteria, Musica, Cultura, ALI publishes articles on violin making and reports on major events. It participates in competitions, exhibitions and international collaborations, upholding ethical rules and showcasing members' instruments to preserve the Italian tradition.
Verband Deutscher Geigenbauer und Bogenmacher e.V. (VDG)
The Association of German Violin and Bow Makers promotes shared interests, fosters professional exchange, encourages continuing education and enhances the reputation of violin making in all aspects.
Canadian Association of Violin and Bow Makers
The Makers' Forum supports contemporary Canadian violin and bow makers. Its mission includes promoting connections between makers, musicians and the public, showcasing works and contributing to music education.
Initiatives like the Corda Program bring string music into schools. The Forum also organizes events, trade show representation, lectures and concerts.
Regional Instrument Making Associations
Violin Makers Association of Arizona International (VMAAI)
Based in Tucson, AZ, the VMAAI brings together violin makers globally through an annual competition, lectures and classes.
Southern Violin Association
Serving the Southeastern US, this group supports violin-making enthusiasts and fosters youth interest in playing. It prepares makers for competitions and hosts meetings, activities and a regional website.
Michigan Violinmakers Association (MVA)
Founded over 30 years ago, MVA serves professional luthiers and musicians. It offers quarterly meetings, featured speakers, a newsletter, lending library and a new website. It welcomes local and international members.
Stringed Instrument Makers of Southern California (SIMSCal)
Founded in 2004 and incorporating SCAVM in 2017, SIMSCal promotes collaboration among stringed instrument makers and repair professionals in Southern California.
With about 50 members building both traditional and electric instruments, it offers educational resources, meetings and volunteer opportunities.
Instrument Associations
International Society of Bassists
Founded in 1967, the ISB serves over 3,000 members who teach, play, repair, build and study the double bass. Benefits include its journal Bass World, email updates, conventions, competitions and a biennial makers competition.
American Viola Society
The AVS supports excellence in viola performance, research, composition and lutherie. Its core values include community building, artistic growth, professional development and knowledge sharing through various platforms and events.
Instructional Workshops
UNH Craftsmanship Institute
Hosted by the University of New Hampshire, this summer program offers workshops for all skill levels.
Learning Trade Secrets
Founded by Mohr & Mohr in 2018, LTS offers small-group and individualized training in making, repair and restoration. Classes run April through August, with a Bow Rendezvous in September.
VSA Oberlin Violin Makers Workshop
A two-week graduate-level program for professional violin makers. Activities include lectures, demonstrations and collaborative instrument building. Each year focuses on a different theme, from historical instruments to construction methods.
VSA Oberlin Acoustics Workshop
Held annually for six days, this workshop explores scientific integration in violin making. It often overlaps with the Violin Makers Workshop
American Lutherie Institute
Formerly known as Oberlin Restoration Workshop, this workshop is designed for professionals focused on bows and instrument restoration. Like the other workshops, it prioritizes collaboration and features expert presentations.
Full-Time Schools
Chicago School of Violin Making
Established in 1975, CSVM offers a three-year program focused on traditional craftsmanship. Students build violins and a viola, study varnish and setup and follow Cremonese methods.
Violin Making School of America
Founded in 1972 in Salt Lake City, this school offers a three-year program centered on traditional techniques. Students build violins and cellos and engage in lectures, workshops and musical collaborations.
North Bennet Street School
Located in Boston, NBSS offers a three-year Violin Making & Repair program. It emphasizes hands-on training and high standards of craftsmanship.
Minnesota State College Southeast
This violin repair program offers a full academic year of focused training. Graduates enjoy 100% job placement in violin shops worldwide.
École Nationale de Lutherie
Based in Quebec, ENL partners with Cégep Limoilou to offer a diploma in Artistic Crafts Techniques. Students can specialize in guitar or violin, studying design, organization and artistic expression.
Research & Databases
Cozio
Cozio is the world’s largest database for stringed instruments and bows. It includes over 36,000 records, 210,000 photos, 14,000 certificates and a vast auction archive. Founded in 2003, it's used for research, authentication and valuation.
VSA/Goodkind Collection
Curated by Herbert K. Goodkind, this collection includes over 1,200 publications, 566 auction catalogs, research files and institutional records. It spans violin history, construction and market dynamics from the 17th to 20th centuries.
Advocacy & Conservation
International Pernambuco Conservation Initiative USA
IPCI USA works to conserve pernambuco (pau brasil), a wood used in bows for over 250 years. It pledges a moratorium on new wood purchases until sustainable plans are in place. IPCI collaborates with Brazilian and international partners on research, replanting and awareness.
Alliance-International
Recognizing the severity of conservation challenges facing the violin and bow making trade, in 2018 the International Alliance of Violin and Bow Makers for Endangered Species was created as an adjunct to the International Society of Violin and Bow Makers, whose history, reputation, and international nature gave it a unique advantage in this role. Alliance members include instrument and bow making org