Our Instructors | Learning Trade Secrets

Our instructors have spent decades learning the fine art of making and restoring stringed family instruments and bows. Some have entered the field through playing, while others from various technical fields. All are accomplished artists in their own right and many are award-winning makers, some having received recognition in competitions with the distinction of Hors' Concours from the Violin Society of America. This is an important honor received after having earned three gold medals in VSA International Competitions. This qualifies the honoree to judge competitions making them an excellent resource for information. We hope to pass their extensive knowledge and experience to the next generation of makers and restorers through demonstrations, instruction, and professional example.

Because our instructors are active with industry organizations it may be necessary for them to bow out for a season. Many of our instructors have returned to teach workshops while others are active with the VSA fulfilling their elected duties for the upcoming competition and convention in Aneheim, CA this November. Check the site in mid-November for the 2023 Schedule of Workshops.

Registration opens December 15, 2023. Thank you for your continued support.

Tom Croen

Tom Croen is an award-winning violin maker working from his studio in Eugene, Oregon. He has been actively making instruments for nearly 40 years and is a member of the American Federation of Violin and Bow Makers and the Violin Society of America, where he has served on the Governing Board of both organizations. Tom has earned the distinction of 'Hors Concours' after having won 3 gold medals from Violin Society of America International Competitions. Tom stays challenged and inspired by being a workmanship judge at VSA competitions and writing publications on the subject of instrument acoustics and other aspects about the craft of violin making and repair.

Chris Germain

Christopher Germain

Christopher Germain makes award-winning violins, violas, and cellos from his studio in Philadelphia, PA. Chris has served as the President of the American Federation of Violin and Bow Makers as well as the Violin Society of America and has served on the Governing Boards of both organizations. He also is a member of the Entente Internationale Maitres Luthiers et Archetiers d'Art and has served as a judge for numerous international violin making competitions.

Rodney D. Mohr

Rodney Mohr has been actively making bows for nearly 40 years and is a member of the American Federation of Violin & Bow Makers, where he earned the degree of Master of Bow Making. Mr. Mohr has produced over 1,100 bows, making him one of the nation's most prolific bow makers. As one of the country's leading restorers, Mr. Mohr also has restored a countless number of fine bows using a conservative approach. Mr. Mohr holds the distinction of Hors' Concours by the VSA along with numerous other Certificates of Merit and a medal from the City of Paris Competition.

David Orlin

David Orlin works out of his studio in Ann Arbor Michigan. He was elected into membership of the American Federation of Violin & Bow Makers in 1996. David has participated in the Violin Society of America's Oberlin Bow Maker's Workshop and is currently a Co-director of the VSA Oberlin Bow Restoration Workshop. He has taught bow repair and restoration at the National String Workshops in Madison, Wisconsin since 1993, and has exhibited and presented at conventions of the AFVBM, VSA, and ASTA. He also lectures frequently about bows and has contributed articles for publication.

William Scott

William (Bill) Scott is a violin maker working in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He earned Hors Concours in 2006, with his 3rd Gold Medal for a viola at the Violin Society of America's International Violin Making Competition. In addition to these awards, he has won numerous other medals and certificates for violin, viola, and cello. Bill began his apprenticeship at the shop of Hans Weisshaar in Los Angeles. He has contributed to Strad Magazine, VSA Conventions as a presenter and as a workmanship judge. Over the past decade, he has been on staff at the Violin Makers Workshop in Oberlin, Ohio and is a past President of the Violin Society of America.

Stacey Styles

Stacey Styles has worked independently as a restorer of violins, violas, and cellos since 1995. She is located in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Ms. Styles particularly likes a challenging restoration project but also enjoys the balance and insight afforded by working directly with musicians in fine adjustments for tone and performance. Ms. Styles credits Hans J. Nebel, with whom she studied for many years, for instilling a high standard of excellence in restoration, and a deep appreciation for a finely honed edge.

Sofia Vettori

Sofia Vettori is maintaining and sharing the legacy of 90 years of Italian violin making tradition. The Vettori family tradition began in 1935, in Tuscany, Italy when Sofia's grandfather Dario I Vettori decide to become a violin maker. After having lived with "secrets" as a common attitude in the field of instrument making, she wanted to make a difference by sharing her talents and knowledge. After 25 years of making instruments she has developed a unique method of varnishing that involves many different techniques taken from different inspirations and influences.