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