Musical instrument making – violins, violas and cellos 31 Mar 2026 to 9 Apr 2026 with Colin Cross

Musical Instrument Making Music Heritage Crafts

Ref: SMI37702

Location: West Dean

£1371

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About this course

Musical instrument making:
You will work in small groups (SMI37701–SMI3 7704 ), with an experienced maker as your tutor, selecting an instrument from the range offered , according to your interests and experience in fine woodworking. Instrument options include some which are suitable for complete beginners. Instruction is given in the principles of making, assembling and finishing the instrument, allowing you to start a new project or complete one already in progress. The tutor will contact you to discuss your choice and the materials required. Most instruments take more than one nine-day course to complete. This depends on the complexity of your instrument, your skill level in fine woodworking and your ability to continue at home beween courses.

Timetable

Arrival day
Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential to arrive by 6.45pm
6.45pm Welcome followed by dinner (included)
8.00-9.00pm First teaching session, attendance is essential

Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15-5pm Classes (lunch included)
Dinner: from 6.30pm (included)
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed

Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am-12.30pm (lunch included)
Workshops must be cleared by 3.30pm
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am

General Information

Terms & Conditions

Tutors

Colin Cross

Colin Cross has over thirty years’ experience as a violin maker. He trained at Newark under Wilfred Saunders and Patrick Jowett. In recent years, he has been head of workshop at Stringer’s in London and run his own violin-making business in Kent. He has made and sold over 150 instruments.