Semester Outline and Objectives

Although the instruction is individualized and mainly self-paced, students will be expected to maintain the following semester schedules as closely as possible.

First Semester (560 clock hours)

Completion of one (1) violin body.
Demonstrate preparation and maintenance of hand tools.
Begin detailed construction notebook.
Maintain a daily log of work achieved.
Begin technical drawing.
Begin required reading of history of classical makers.
Begin or advance musical training – outside of school on private basis.

Second Semester (560 clock hours)

Completion of two (2) more violin bodies to reinforce lessons from the first semester.
Demonstrate ability to work towards higher standards of quality, speed, and with less supervision.
Maintain notebook and daily log.
Continue technical drawing.
Continue history reading.
Continue musical training.

Third Semester (560 clock hours)

Carve three (3) scrolls and set the necks on the three violin bodies.
Study, formulate, and apply a spirit-based varnish.
Maintain notebook and daily log.
Continue technical drawing.
Continue history reading.
Continue musical training.

Fourth Semester (560 clock hours)

Complete the varnishing of the first three (3) violins if not already completed.
Complete the set-up of three (3) violins.
Complete one (1) viola ready for varnishing (in-the-white).
Maintain and continue notebook, daily log, technical drawing, reading, and musical training.

Fifth Semester (560 clock hours)

Study, formulate, and apply a cooked oil/resin varnish.
Complete the varnishing and set-up of the viola.
Complete one Complete one (1) additional instrument from an option of a violin, viola, or cello ready for varnishing (in-the-white).
Maintain and continue notebook, daily log, technical drawing, reading, and musical training.

Sixth Semester, First 10 weeks (350 clock hours)

Complete previous instruments as neccessary. Complete one (1) additional instrument from an option of a violin, viola, or cello ready for varnishing (in-the-white).
Students must have completed all requirements before going on to the examination period.
If previous work has been completed prior to this semester, students may elect to concentrate on technical repairs.

Sixth Semester Examination Test, Final 6 weeks (210 clock hours)

Build one violin or viola in-the-white with complete set-up to demonstrate construction skills and abilities.
Draw one technical drawing of the same instrument.
Varnish and set-up a previously made instrument to demonstrate varnishing ability.
Complete a brief repair test.
Pass a written and oral theory test.
Demonstrate successful advancement of musical ability and perform on a violin family instrument at the graduation ceremony.

Students who fail the graduation exam may, at the instructor’s discretion, enroll for another semester and complete such works as to be prepared to attempt another graduation exam. A student will receive a diploma certifying successful completion of the program upon completion of the exam and payment of all fees.