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Key Facts

  • Starting
    16 Sep 2026
    Location
    Merton
    Start Time
    10:00
    End Time
    16:00
    Duration
    1 Year
    Study Mode
    Part Time Day
    Days
    Wednesday + Thursday
    Start Date
    16 Sep 2026
    End Date
    24 Jun 2027
    Level
    Short Course
    Code
    MCRX134FC

    Enrol

L2 Violin Making and Repair - Advanced ( 2 days per week Wed + Thu)

L2 Violin Making and Repair - Advanced ( 2 days per week Wed + Thu)

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If you would like to learn how to make a violin, our specialist workshops are the perfect place to begin. Merton College is one of the few places in the UK where you can train in this highly specialised craft. We have been delivering Musical Instrument Making and Repair courses for over 50 years, helping students develop the practical skills and expertise needed to progress into employment, start their own business, or work as a self-employed instrument maker or repairer.

Welcome to a deeply immersive, hands-on journey into the art and craft of violin making.

This course is specifically designed for the violin family of instruments, suitable for students wishing to pursue a career in violin making and hobbyists alike. This is a private learning experience, allowing the pace, depth, and focus to be tailored to your individual goals—whether you are a musician seeking a deeper connection with your instrument, a craftsperson exploring fine woodworking, or a beginner drawn to the beauty of violin making.

Complete beginners are welcome, at the start you will learn how to sharpen tools and see wood in a new way, making jigs you will use in the process of violin making as a first project to improve basic hand and eye skills.

This project-based course is designed for individuals who want more than just theoretical knowledge—you will build your own instrument from the ground up, guided step by step through each stage of the process.

This course is two days per week.

If you have any questions about this course or future courses, please contact Martina.Collett-Creedy@stcg.ac.uk.

  • Entry Requirements


    Beginner Level

    No previous instrument-making experience required Interest in woodworking, music, or craftsmanship Willingness to learn practical workshop skills

    Intermediate / Advanced Level

    Previous experience in instrument making, woodworking, or completion of a beginner course Ability to work with hand tools and workshop equipment Commitment to developing more advanced techniques

    Learners may be asked to attend a short informal discussion or assessment before joining the course.

  • Course Content


    Rooted in traditional lutherie techniques while remaining open to modern tools and insights, this course emphasizes learning by doing. From selecting and preparing tonewoods to carving the plates, assembling the body, shaping the neck, and applying varnish, every phase is approached as part of a cohesive personal project.

    By the end of the course, you will have knowledge on:

    Tools, Hand and Electric

    Complete tool jigs, and their uses

    Instrument parts in the white (unvarnished)

    Industry Standards

    Health and Safety in the Workshop

    Gaining skills that can be transferred into any aspect of fine woodwork you will not only understand the structural and acoustic principles behind the violin but also have the option to continue to a finished instrument that reflects your own craftsmanship.

  • Progression Next Steps


    Further advanced training in lutherie or instrument-making techniques

    Opportunities in employment within instrument-making workshops, repair studios, or specialist music shops

    Developing skills to work in instrument repair, restoration, or maintenance

    Self-employment as an instrument maker, producing and selling handcrafted guitars or violins

    Starting a small craft business specialising in custom-built instruments, repairs, or bespoke commissions

    The course also supports learners who wish to continue developing their craft independently, either as a professional pathway or creative personal practice.

  • Additional Information


    The course runs for 30 weeks

    Consumables fee of £200.00 (to cover use and maintenance of tools and workshop equipment)

    Some materials will require an additional cost

    Learners should wear suitable clothing suitable for workshop activities

    Basic tools will be provided, though learners may wish to purchase their own as they progress

    Regular attendance is important to complete the instrument construction process

    If you have any questions about this course or future courses, please contact Martina.Collett-Creedy@stcg.ac.uk.

  • Course Structure


    Patience, precision, and curiosity are at the heart of this course. No prior experience is required—only a willingness to engage fully in a detailed and rewarding creative process.

    Your violin will not just be an object; it will be the result of your time, attention, and dedication.

    The course runs for 30 weeks and is delivered through a combination of practical workshop sessions, demonstrations, and guided independent work. Learners will work step-by-step through the process of building an instrument, supported by experienced tutors. Sessions may include:

    Tutor demonstrations of specialist techniques

    Hands-on instrument construction

    Group discussions and troubleshooting

    Independent workshop time with tutor guidance

    Both beginner and intermediate learners will work at a pace suitable to their experience level.

  • Assessment Details


    Assessment is practical and continuous throughout the course. Learners will be assessed through:

    Completion of instrument-making stages

    Demonstration of practical workshop skills

    Quality of craftsmanship and finishing

    Participation and engagement in workshop activities

    Tutors will provide regular feedback to support skill development throughout the course.