Southern California Violin Makers Workshop

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Violin Making

workbench

Students learn the traditional methods of old Italian violin making, using both modern and traditional tools. Instruction is highly individualized. Each day includes a brief, informal lecture by instructor Michael Darnton. The rest of the time he circulates among all participants … Read more... about Violin Making

Bow Making

Bow making

To best meet students' interest in learning the French traditional method of bow making in its entirety—stick, frog and button—master bow makers, teachers, and colleagues Lynn Armour Hannings and George Rubino alternate summers at SCVMW. In 2020, Lynn Hannings will teach bow … Read more... about Bow Making

Facilities

shop overview

Violin and bow making workshops are held on the Claremont McKenna College campus. During the workshops, college space is transformed into a comfortable workshop environment. Each student is provided with an individual work table and work light. A band saw, drill press, sharpening tools, and glue pot … Read more about Facilities

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Testimonials

It takes a whole year to digest all the information learned at the workshop. Michael Darnton is generous with his knowledge. Very helpful on the business side of things too.

—Pebbles

Lynn Hannings is an outstanding teacher, well known over the world. Her direct line to the greatest French makers, along with her ability to pass on information and a great sense of humor make her a treasure, too, and a delight.

—Will Logan

Can’t thank Lynn Hannings and her assistant Steve Decoux enough for helping me make my first viola bow.

—Pebbles

The camaraderie, the depth of Michael’s knowledge and his generosity in sharing it, Jim’s perfect hosting, wine and cheese, and the discussions about building technique, history, science, art, music, late into the evenings, all make for the perfect experience.

—Jennifer

If you want to learn violinmaking, Michael is all about making violins in the finest sense. He’s able to cut through the air of mystery and pseudo-science… In his workshop you won’t spend your time learning rote methods or making beautiful tools, you’re going to make violins!

—Don Leister

Great to see old friends and meet new ones, and to keep working on getting a grip on things like arching and edgework and other details of Cremonese instruments.

—Andres

Michael—he’s the bomb!

—Anya

As usual, Jim Brown did a terrific job of organizing and tending to our needs. Michael put in long hours answering questions, demonstrating techniques, and giving critiques on our work. I recommend it to anyone interested in attending a workshop.

—Ken Pollard

Nothing I can say can express enough how impressed I have been with the Southern California Violin Making Workshop. Jim Brown, a gifted maker himself, with great wisdom brought in Michael Darnton and, later, Lynn Hannings. Jim is a great organizer and things run smoothly, allowing the students to get maximum value from their attendance.

—Will Logan

Announcements

  • Noted bow maker Lynn Armour Hannings will return to teach in summer 2020!
  • Violin making and bow making are now offered concurrently for two weeks only, so reserve your space early via our contact form!
  • There are many outstanding violin and bow makers working today, but not all have the desire or the ability to teach their craft to others. SCVMW students have the opportunity to work closely with well-known instrument and bow makers who are also gifted and enthusiastic instructors.

2020 Dates