News and Events2011 Annual Convention: November 3-5The convention will be held in Timonium, Maryland, in the Baltimore area, from November 3-5, 2011. Friday and Saturday will feature individual critiques and small group discussions on topics such as string selection, set-up, varnish, and arching. Bow discussions include wood selection, modeling, camber, and more. The addition of an acoustics demonstration and discussion will introduce makers to the importance of acoustics as it relates to making. The study exhibit at the 2010 convention was so successful that we have again planned an exhibit of fine instruments and bows for the 2011 convention. To round out the convention there will be a presentation on making a copy of the 1704 Betts Stradivari, currently in the collection of the Library of Congress. A CD of photos and measurements will be offered for sale to attendees only. This convention will be a great opportunity to talk with makers about the "tools they use and the wood they choose." Our vendors will, once again, be on hand selling the latest tools and supplies. This event is still early in the planning stages and may include more programming. Surely, you will not want to miss this highly interactive convention. For more information about the convention, please go to our Next Convention page. NewslettersClick here to download the latest newsletterThe Strad Special Members Discount
VSA members get a 30% discount on their the Strad subscriptions, making the price $75 instead of $109.95. This offer covers renewals and the 30% discount for future years. In order to receive this, your VSA member number and the code STVSA must be written on all communications with the Strad. Subscriptions can be made by calling the toll-free number 1-866-922-8534 or online - Click here to subscribe and automatically get the discount. Cozio.com Discount for VSA Members
Cozio.com is offering a 25% membership discount to VSA members on 1-year and 2-year subscriptions. The 1-year subscription is reduced to $90 (instead of $119.95) and the 2-year subscription costs $142.50 (instead of $189.95). To take advantage of this offer, VSA members should purchase Cozio memberships from the Cozio store (1-year and 2-year) and then enter the discount code VSAMEM when checking out. Any questions about this offer should be addressed to info@cozio.com. 2012 Southern California Violin Makers Workshop, Claremont Colleges, Calif.The 7th annual workshops will once again include three 5-day sessions of violin making with Michael Darnton (June 4-22, Mon-Fri), and two 5-day sessions of bow making and related topics with Lynn Armour Hannings (June 4-15, Mon-Fri ). New - Added session just for beginners June 18-22. J. Brown instructing. Call 909-624-0489 for information. Viol and Baroque Violin Making at West Dean CollegeApplications are now being accepted for the West Dean College two-year diploma in Making Stringed Musical Instruments, and for the one-year Professional Development Diploma for advanced students, to start in September 2011. Both courses place special emphasis on making baroque instruments of the violin and viola da gamba families. Bursary and scholarship opportunities are available and will be discussed as part of the interview process. Candidates should be able to demonstrate a strong commitment and interest in musical instrument making and are sought from a wide range of backgrounds. Previous experience in musical instrument making, or related tool skills are desirable but not a pre-requisite to entry. West Dean College equips students with advanced-level practical skills that are highly sought after by potential employers and for professional practice. The content of the programmes is grounded in practice firmly supported by historical contextualisation and theory. Our staff-to-student ratio is exceptional (average 1:8). The academic year runs for thirty-six weeks and workshops are open from 7.00 am to 10.00 pm, seven days of the week during term time. West Dean is a small specialist College set in the heart of the 6,400 acre West Dean Estate near Chichester, West Sussex, designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the slopes of the South Downs. For informal enquiries and to apply, contact: |
