Violin Repair Program - Overview

In the Violin Repair Program, students learn about tools, wood, trees, basic principles of repair, and basic repair and maintenance techniques. The program teaches the repair and maintenance of violin family instruments — the violin, viola, cello and string bass — as well as bow repair and maintenance.

The program is unique in that it is the only repair program in America structured for an entire academic year. Shorter workshops, some as brief as a week, offer an overview of the process. Three and four- year programs teach violin construction but do not provide same in-depth focus on the repair process.

No previous experience with woodworking is required as violin repair is very different from other woodworking crafts. Fine motor skills, patience and the ability to focus on the work at hand are essential. The aim of the program is for students to be prepared to work in the best violin shops in the world and to continue the lifelong process of learning the art.

In recent years, the program has achieved 100% job placement: those who earn the Violin Repair Diploma and are seeking employment have consistently found work in the field.

Learn more about the Violin Repair program on the MSC Southeast website. To become a student in the program, apply for admission to Minnesota State College Southeast.