From 26^th June to 1^st July, we will be running a set-up course at Halsway. This course is aimed at violin makers at the beginning of their careers who would like to gain more experience at setting up a violin. 

Our aim is to give an overview of all the important aspects of a professional set-up which will help make the violin sound as good as it can without compromising comfort for the player. Being able to do a good set-up is an important skill which will help you throughout your career, whether you are a maker or a restorer.

Andrew Fairfax is an excellent tutor who is well known in the violin world. Not only a fine maker and restorer who continues to restore and study many of the greatest and most celebrated instruments, he has also researched, written and lectured on numerous aspects of violin history, making and restoration across Europe, North America, Australia and Asia.  Andrew has a special interest in set-ups and is always willing to share his extensive knowledge. 

Andrew will be joined by Kathrin Hügel, who can still remember how overwhelming it can feel at the start of your career. After graduating from the Geigenbauschule in Mittenwald, she worked for a number of busy workshops around the world, including work experiences in Germany, New York and Canada. Kathrin worked for Philip Brown Violins in Newbury, Berkshire for 6 years, and has recently opened her own workshop in Strasbourg, France. 

During our week in Halsway we will focus on the set-up for a violin, especially the sound-post and bridge, the two most important aspects. Andrew and Kathrin will talk you through every single step before putting the theory into practice. There is space for 10 participants on this course, so every single student will have plenty of one-to-one time with the tutors. We will also demonstrate one set-up on a violin, so that you can see us working. At the end of the week, you will leave with a step-by-step guide on how to do a bridge and sound-post.

Participants on this course need to have at least completed their second year at a violin making college by the time of the course or have a similar level of experience. Everyone will be expected to bring their own violin to work on, together with the tools they usually use for an instrument set-up. Bridges, sound-posts and other accessories are being kindly sponsored by The Soundpost. 

The course fee is £600-£650 depending on choice of room, which includes teaching, accommodation and food.  This course is subsidised by the BVMA Short Course Fund for all 10 participants. 

In addition, 5 bursaries are available from the BVMA covering half the cost of the course. These will be prioritised to help people in the early stage of their career (within 8 years from the start of training). If you would like to be considered for a bursary, please express interest for the course now via courses@bvma.org.uk by 31/03/2022. Please send 3-6 pictures of your work and write up to 500 words outlining your work experience, why you would like to attend and what you like to get out of the course.

Alternatively, you can book the course paying the full amount to have a guaranteed space.