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BA (Hons) Musical Instrument Craft (Violin Making and Repair) (Full-Time)

The BA (Hons) Musical Instrument Craft (Violin Making and Repair) is designed to give students the opportunity to learn professional techniques for the repair and restoration of stringed instruments covering the main requirements of the violin trade, including bow repair. All of these skills are as much in demand today as they were 300 or 400 years ago.

The success of the course lies in its combination of enthusiastic and experienced tutors, comprehensive course materials and practical demonstrations complemented by ample workshop time. The emphasis is on allowing the student to gain as much practical experience as possible.

The School of Violin Making and Restoration has strong links with the international violin trade. Experts in the field act as advisors to the course as well as visiting to give lectures. Graduates can be found in many of the top workshops around the world as makers and restorers of the violin, viola and cello.

Situated in its own building in the centre of historic Newark on Trent, the School is itself an international community with many social and cultural opportunities. 

The Graebner Crisford Prize

A cash prize of £1,000 will be offered to one outstanding graduating student in each pathway on the Musical Instrument Crafts degree. The prize is from a generous donation from The ACH Crisford Charitable Foundation who set up the scheme to support our learners and recognise the unique nature of these courses. The award will be judged by staff.

The Hiscox Prize for Violin

Hiscox Cases kindly sponsor our annual celebration event held to recognise the achievements of the graduating violin and guitar students. The Hiscox Prize for Violin recognises and rewards outstanding craftsmanship by a graduating Violin making student with a prize of a classical violin case.

Typical Course Structure

  • Anatomy and Design
  • Basic Techniques
  • Workshop Practice
  • Making Specialist Tools 1
  • Historical and Contextual Studies

Core Modules:

  • Applied Acoustics
  • Problem Solving
  • Making Specialist Tools 2

Optional Modules:

  • Violin Making Techniques (Viola)
  • Basic Repair Techniques
  • Advanced Repair Techniques
  • Bow Repair
  • Finishing Techniques
  • Business Practice
  • Advanced Craft Techniques
  • Professional Standards Test
  • Final Major Project Preparation
  • Final Major Project Realisation

Study Details

Students will study at the School of Musical Instrument Craft at Newark College for the duration of the course. Full-time, three years.

View the HE Student Handbook

Watch Our Overview Video

What Our Students Say

“What I enjoyed most about the course is that I instantly felt that the other people who were on the course were just like me. It takes a certain sort of person to study lutherie I think! The tutors were all fantastic and I loved working with wood. My advice to someone looking to studying the same course would be to go for it. Put in the hours, learn as much as you can from the tutors and your fellow students and make as many connections as you can.”

Becky Houghton, graduated in 2008

Becky Houghton

Chat With Our Students and Staff Online With Unibuddy

At Lincoln College Higher Education, we know how important it is to have the opportunity to learn from current students by being able to connect online.

Our online platform, unibuddy, is a free and easy way to allow you to message our friendly student unibuddy ambassadors to ask any questions you might have and start a conversation. Get involved today and start chatting:

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Learn More

You can also learn more about our School of Musical Instrument Crafts' foundation and degree courses, including staff profiles, latest news, gallery, alumni, accommodation, open days and more on our dedicated School of Musical Instrument Crafts website.

How to Apply

This course is validated by the University of Hull. The validating institution is responsible for awarding the qualification at the end of the programme. Students on validated courses are OfS registered, funded and taught at Lincoln College and it is the responsibility of the College to manage all aspects of this provision. The validating institution maintains an oversight of the programme throughout the academic year and must be satisfied that students are being taught in line with the required academic standards of the awarding institution. For full details and information of the responsibilities and conditions of study of both Lincoln College and the validating partners please see the Policies section.

University of Hull

A minimum of 48 UCAS Tariff points from:

  • GCE A and AS Levels with at least one subject at A Level 
  • BTEC National (Diploma or Extended Diploma) in a relevant subject
  • T Levels
  • Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher with at least one subject at Advanced Higher

Plus

  • GCSE English – Grade C/4 or above
  • GCSE Maths – Grade C/4 or above

*For mature applicants, some experience may be taken in lieu of A Levels/BTECs

EU and International Applicants

  • ENIC confirmed equivalent of 48 UCAS points

  • IELTS with an overall score of 6.0 and a minimum of 5.5 in each component. Equivalent English language qualifications are acceptable for applicants not requiring a Tier 4 student visa.

Other Entry Requirements

  • Successful interview

The assessment methods typically used throughout the programme include:

  • Assessment of practical work supported by a portfolio of notes and research

 

Progression

Following completion of this programme students may wish to pursue further academic study in music or seek employment or self-employment in the industry. Students can be introduced to these opportunities throughout their undergraduate programme.

Per Academic Year

  • Home Students - £8,500
  • International Students - £9,500

Tuition fees will remain unchanged for the duration of a student’s continuous enrolment.
 

Additional Course Costs

Please see the full ‘HE Terms and Conditions’ for details of additional library and printing costs associated with this programme.

Additional compulsory course costs can be paid for using the Career Degree Bursary. The scheme allows students to access the bursary (up to a maximum value of £500 for full-time or £250 part-time students) for additional optional courses, workshops, professional memberships and resources. There is no cash alternative. Students who wish to access opportunities in excess of the Career Degree Bursary may do so at full cost to themselves.

Attend an Open Day

Our upcoming Higher Education (HE) Open Days are listed on the Open Days webpage. Please register your place via the Eventbrite links listed. 

If you have any questions or would like further information, please email: he@lincolncollege.ac.uk

Additional Support

If you have Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities and feel that you may need support, for example with your application or visiting us at an Open Day, please contact assessmentofficer@lincolncollege.ac.uk or call 01522 876225 to discuss your needs. This service is confidential.

Learn More

You can also learn more about our School of Musical Instrument Crafts' foundation and degree courses, including staff profiles, latest news, gallery, alumni, accommodation, open days and more on our dedicated School of Musical Instrument Crafts website.

Key Facts

Level:6

Full-Time/Part-Time:Full-Time

Duration:3 Years

Start Date:September 2024

Location:Newark College

UCAS Course Code:J950

UCAS Institution Code:L42