Making Stringed Musical Instruments

The programme

Successful study on the Making Stringed Musical Instruments Programme leads to a prestigious West Dean College Award. The environment, accommodation and workshops at West Dean are unique, providing the facilities for students to develop advanced level skills and effective practice to enable you to become a professional maker.

The small group of students, usually 8 in total, means a high degree of personal tuition.  You will complete two to three instrument-making projects each year, with an emphasis on early instruments, including the viola da gamba and violin family. Some early plucked instruments can be included such as early guitar, bandora, cittern and gothic harp. Care, repair and restoration projects are also undertaken, giving the opportunity of a broad ranging experience for all students.

Instrument playing lessons given by professional early music specialists support the link between maker and player and will provide you with valuable feedback on the quality of the instruments made by you. You will be given guidance, supervision and information in a variety of ways, including demonstrations, informal workshop critiques, personal tutorials and group seminars. You will take part in lectures and visits to public and private instrument and picture collections and to some of the major European museum collections.

The tutors

• Roger Rose - Click to view the tutor profile
• Shem Mackey: Assistant Tutor

The facilities

The programme is delivered in the purpose-built and dedicated workshop which benefits from excellent natural and artificial light. You will have your own workbench, and storage for personal tools and equipment. Specialist facilities include a separate machine shop, a varnishing room and a range of professional woodworking equipment. IT facilities are available within the musical instruments workshop, including a scanner, digital camera and Internet access. Additional computers are sited within the college library and IT suite. There is also a photographic studio and fully equipped lecture rooms. All necessary basic materials and specialist tools are supplied and students are encouraged and advised how to build up their own set of tools. 

Lecturers

A full list is available on request, which includes:
ALISON CRUM: professional viola da gamba player and teacher.
MICHAEL LOWE: maker and researcher in the history of the lute.
MATTHEW SPRING: musician and lecturer in the history of music and musical instruments at
Bath Spa University College.