Our Workshop
The School in Images
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Wellington School of Violin Making — New Zealand's home for the traditional craft of lutherie, founded by John Schmidt.
About the School
The Wellington School of Violin Making offers an immersive, hands-on education in the art and science of building stringed instruments. Located in the creative heart of New Zealand's capital, our workshop provides an intimate learning environment where students master techniques passed down through centuries of European lutherie tradition.
Under the guidance of founder John Schmidt and visiting master luthiers, students learn every aspect of the craft — from selecting and carving tonewoods to applying hand-finished varnish and performing expert set-up for optimal playability and tone.
Our Workshop
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Hear the Difference
Listen to violins crafted in our workshop, played by professional musicians.
Watch & Learn
See the work of our workshop — the techniques, tools, and passion that go into every instrument we build.
Violin carving cradle
Purfling marker
Tool pouch — Ruben
Brake rotor hone
Gouge sharpening jig
Gouge sharpening jig
Planing center joint
Gluing plate center joint
Flattening joined plates
Blocks — gluing to the mould
Blocks, carving shape
Blocks, carving shape — Mike Cowles
Linings install — Pablo & Tomas
Rough gouging back plate — Pablo Wolinski
Cutting the purfling slot
Cutting purfling channel
Arching templates — Dan Ashby
Arching templates and mould — Dan & Clare
Installing purfling
Scraper used on top plate
Arching top plate — Dan Ashby
Inside plate gouging — Dan Ashby
Cutting f-holes
The Curriculum
Our structured programme takes students from foundational skills to professional-level instrument making, repair, and restoration.
Wood selection, tool sharpening, technical drawing, and your first violin build from start to finish. Students learn the geometry and acoustics underlying classical instrument design.
Advanced arching and graduation, varnish chemistry and application, viola and cello construction. Students develop their own tonal and aesthetic voice as makers.
Restoration and repair, bow rehairing, sound post and bridge fitting, and business skills for establishing a professional workshop. Students complete a final exhibition instrument.
Our Founder
Director
John Schmidt founded the Wellington School of Violin Making with a singular vision: to create a world-class lutherie programme in the Southern Hemisphere. With decades of experience building and restoring fine stringed instruments, John brings deep technical expertise and an unwavering commitment to the craft.
His philosophy centres on the belief that great instruments are born from a thorough understanding of wood, acoustics, and the traditions of the Cremonese masters — combined with the patience and sensitivity that only hands-on practice can develop.
John continues to build instruments from his Wellington workshop and maintains an active restoration practice alongside his teaching.
Get in Touch
Whether you're ready to apply or simply have questions about our programme, we'd love to hear from you.
Contact Us