We understand how difficult it is to find qualified, knowledgeable, and respected individuals to train instrument/bow makers and restorers. Until now, there were no schools in the United States that focused on these specific skills. It is critically important to impart years of experience, knowledge, and skills to the next generation so that musicians have qualified craftsmen and women to keep their instruments and bows in optimal condition.
In 2013, Mohr and Mohr began to offer small group and individualized training to prospective bow makers and restorers near and far. This is a trade difficult to learn and requires constant training. After having reached full capacity since its inception, Mohr & Mohr realized it was time to open a year-round training center focused on specific techniques in both instrument and bow making, as well as repair and restoration with a conservative approach. So, in February 2018, Rodney, Ann, and Katherine Mohr took the plunge and opened Learning Trade Secrets, LLC. After experiencing a pandemic, COVID-19, in 2020 and having to cancel 14 of 16 workshops, the Mohr's decided to move Learning Trade Secrets back to their home studio. The classes will no longer be held year-round, but rather April-August with a Bow Rendezvous at the end of September.
Knowing for centuries that makers kept many aspects of varnish and other techniques secret, the Mohr's decided to use the term in the name of the new company, hence 'Learning Trade Secrets.' We hope you will come and learn the many Secrets of the highly acclaimed makers and restorers of the 21st century and centuries past. Instructors are invited from around the country to instruct you on the finer points of making and restoration of stringed instruments and bows, identification, business, and other important topics.