Where luthiers train.

Scuola Internazionale di Liuteria

The most prestigious violin-making school in the world. Three years of full-time bench training in the city where the modern violin was born. Graduates form the backbone of the contemporary global maker community.

Roughly 200 students from 30+ countries enrolled at any time.

Staatliche Berufsfachschule für Musikinstrumentenbau (Geigenbauschule Mittenwald)

The German violin-making school in Mittenwald — a Bavarian Alpine town that has built violins since 1685. Three and a half years of strict, traditional bench training; one of the few state-funded violin schools in Europe.

École Nationale de Lutherie

The French national lutherie school, in the historic French maker town of Mirecourt. Tracks for both violin making and bow making (archetterie); the only public school in France that teaches both crafts.

Newark School of Violin Making

Three-year programme based in Lincolnshire, founded by Maurice Bouette. One of only two English-language violin-making schools at this level (alongside Chicago).

Chicago School of Violin Making

The leading violin-making school in North America. Three-year curriculum focused on bench work, with strong placement in US dealing houses and ateliers.

Welsh School of Violin Making and Repair

A small, hands-on programme founded by Helen Michetschläger. Emphasis on repair and restoration alongside new making.

West Dean College

Postgraduate-level conservation training, including the Making of Early Stringed Instruments programme. Strong on historically informed making.

Boston North Bennet Street School

Three-year violin-making programme inside one of the oldest trade schools in the United States. Small intake; strong restoration component.