Michael Darnton is a violin maker, restorer, writer and teacher who lives in Chicago...

Making a Viola

The Finished Viola

Ethan and his future viola during construction

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Note: 2020 would have been my 15th and final summer teaching at the SCVMW. Sadly, the workshop had to be cancelled due to COVID-19. Prospective participants should use the link below to inquire about future summer workshops.

Every June, I teach violin making and setup at the Southern California Violin Making Workshop in Claremont, organized by Jim Brown of J Brown Violin Maker. All skill levels are welcome and participants can sign up for one or both of the week-long sessions. In addition, master bow makers Lynn Hannings and George Rubino alternate summers teaching bow making.

Jim does a wonderful job of organizing, hosting, and fostering a congenial atmosphere. Participants come from all over the US and several other countries. The SCVMW is a fantastic experience and always a high point of my year.