Wellington, New Zealand · Weekly Sessions

Violin Making for the Love of It

Alongside directing the Wellington School of Violin Making, John Schmidt also runs weekly hands-on violin-making classes for hobbyists and enthusiasts — no professional ambitions required, just curiosity and a love of the craft.

John Schmidt

John Schmidt

Weekly Sessions · Wellington

Outside of directing the Wellington School of Violin Making, John also welcomes hobbyists and enthusiasts who simply want to experience the craft of building a violin by hand — without committing to a professional, multi-year programme.

Each week, John guides a small group through the same traditional techniques used by his full-time students: wood selection, carving, purfling, arching, and varnishing — taught at a relaxed, hobbyist pace.

Whether you're a retired engineer, a weekend woodworker, or simply violin-curious, John's sessions are a welcoming way to learn a centuries-old craft alongside other enthusiasts.

Join Any Time

The essentials of John's ongoing hobbyist violin-making sessions.

DayEvery Wednesday
CommitmentMin. 3 months
Cost$300 / 3-month term
LocationBenchSpace, Wellington
"Making a violin is no easy feat! So unlike our regular courses, our special violin-making sessions are held every Wednesday on an ongoing basis. You can join any time for a minimum of 3 months. It costs $300 per 3 month term. If you're interested, get in touch." Violin-Making Programme, via benchspace.nz
Tools laid out for a violin-making session at BenchSpace

A row of tools ready for a session, via benchspace.nz

John & the Workshop

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From the Workshop Floor

A few examples of the hands-on techniques covered in John's sessions, pulled from the school's technique library.

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Violin carving cradle

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Purfling marker

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Tool pouch — Ruben

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Arching templates — Dan Ashby

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Installing purfling

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Cutting f-holes

Hobbyist Feedback

⚠ Sample feedback shown below — John will replace these with real quotes once current students share their experience.
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"I always wanted to try lutherie without quitting my day job. John's Wednesday sessions are exactly that — patient, hands-on, and genuinely fun."

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Hobbyist student

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"I'd never touched a carving gouge before my first class. John breaks everything down so it never feels overwhelming, even for a total beginner."

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Hobbyist student

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"It's become the best two hours of my week. Small group, great company, and I'm slowly watching my own violin take shape."

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Hobbyist student

Come Build a Violin

Sessions run every Wednesday at BenchSpace and welcome new hobbyists at any time — just get in touch to find out more.

Contact John
LocationBenchSpace, Wellington
SessionsEvery Wednesday