Training, professional requirements
Manual dexterity, a good feeling for form and colour, spatial awareness, good eyesight, a good ear and an aptitude for patient, painstaking work are required for violin making. Previous knowledge of playing an instrument of the violin family is preferred.
Subjects
Workshop tuition covers instrument making, servicing, repair and restoration. Other subjects include; working procedures and techniques, use of tool and materials, technical drawing, documentation, history of music, history of instrument making and makers, acoustics and mechanics, introduction to specialist literature and lessons in playing an instrument!
Accompanying supervision, diploma
The performance and abilities of the students are regularly discussed and assessed. Upon successful completion of the final course examination, Swiss certification as "qualified violin maker" and a diploma from the school are conferred.
Violins, violas and cellos
The joint efforts of masters and students create instruments of the string family in baroque, classical and modern designs that meet the high standards of professional musicians. We carry out repair work for musicians and other professionals.
Fees for tuition and materials
The students pay tuition fees. Students of Swiss nationality receive varying amounts of financial assistance from their canton of residence. All students are sponsored by the Stiftung Geigenbauschule Brienz trust.
Admission requirements
Students must successfully complete the admission process to enrol at the Geigenbauschule Brienz violin-making school. The practical part of the entrance examination comprises the subjects of woodworking, drawing and modelling. Applicants will be interviewed and will be expected to play an instrument in front of the examiners (preferably violin, viola or cello), take hearing and vision tests and produce a piece of written work.
Application
Written applications must be made between the 1st of September and the 30th of November of the year prior to students' intended matriculation. A brief, hand-written curriculum vitae and copies of references should be enclosed. The entrance examination will be held the following January or February.
