General Guidelines

The Chicago School of Violin Making is focused on individuals interested in learning through traditional methods of instrument construction where success is measured in the highest of quality.*While applications are accepted at any time, the school accepts new students to start in trimesters beginning in January, May, and September.  The school makes every effort to accommodate the preferred start date of every qualified applicant.  However, if the requested date is full, the applicant will be accepted and scheduled for the next consecutive start date.

Applicants must be 18 years old or older with a high school diploma.  In addition, while not prerequisites, the following skills, and abilities are recommended:

●    Good hand/eye coordination

●    Love of music

●     Previous playing experience

●     Drawing/Drafting skills

●     Experience with hand woodworking tools

While a formal interview is not required for admission; all applicants are strongly encouraged to visit the school before enrolling.

Foreign Applicants

The Chicago School of Violin Making welcomes foreign students to its program.  We believe all students benefit from the cultural exchange of ideas, skills, and artistic values.  The school is authorized under Federal law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students.  All foreign students must obtain an M-1 student visa before acceptance into the program.  Please be aware that this process can be involved and sometimes lengthy.   A submission fee of $150 is required with each application for all foreign applicants living outside the United States.  Please download the Foreign Applicant Guidelines for a more detailed explanation of the foreign student process and requirements before submitting an application.

*The Chicago School of Violin Making does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, sex, or handicap in the administration of its education policies, admission policies, or other school-administered programs.  The school admits all students to the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available. However, if school administrators feel that a specific condition would prevent safe and successful completion of the program, an individual may be encouraged against enrollment.