Mirecourt National School of Violin Making – Year 3: Specialization and Entry into Professional Life
The third and final year at Mirecourt is dedicated to haute couture lutherie: specialization, advanced training, and preparation for professional integration. Students, now independent, choose a major (instrument making, restoration, or bow making) and complete large-scale projects under the tutelage of master luthiers.
1. Choice of sector and personalized mentoring
From the start of the school year, the student chooses their area of excellence:
- Instrument making: creation of a custom instrument, entirely designed and manufactured by the student.
- Restoration: complete restoration of an old instrument, from scientific analysis of the wood and varnish to restoration to playing condition.
- Bow making: making high-end bows, studying hair variations, complex assembly of the frog.
A reference luthier provides weekly monitoring and guides each apprentice in their choice of materials, techniques and finishes.
2. Supervised project: creation of an exceptional instrument
The core of the third year is the tutored project, which consists of creating a “catalog” instrument or a unique instrument, intended for sale or exhibition. The student manages the entire cycle:
- Fictitious or real client consultation (brief)
- Choice of model (Stradivarius model, Guarneri, original model)
- Supply management (wood, varnish, accessories)
- Budget and deadlines under professional constraints
Cette immersion dans le monde réel de la lutherie permet de comprendre la gestion d’un atelier, la communication avec les clients et la commercialisation des instruments.
3. Advanced Restoration Techniques
For restorers, the third year focuses on analytical techniques (X-rays, infrared spectrometry) to identify past interventions, the age of the varnish, and the nature of the glues used. Students practice complete disassembly, consolidation of cracks, restoration of period varnishes, and respect for the historical integrity of the instrument.
4. Advanced bow making training
Future bow makers conduct a series of tests on the hair (strand, number of strands, tension), explore the use of contemporary materials (composite fibers), and work on the design of the frog. Mastering the shape of the stick, weight balance, and hair flexibility is essential for creating a bow suited to each instrument.
5. Showcase and promotion of know-how
Showcase and promotion of expertiseAt the end of the year, the school organizes an exhibition of “graduation works”: each student presents their instrument or bow. This event, open to musicians, journalists, and professional buyers, is an opportunity to test the market, receive orders, and make contacts. Articles in the specialized press relay these creations, strengthening Mirecourt’s reputation.
6. Advanced business approach and communication
The third year offers a module dedicated to brand strategy:
- Creation of a logo or visual signature
- Professional photography of the instrument
- Writing technical sheets and marketing brochures
- Presence at trade fairs (Cremona Violin Making Fair, international conferences)
The student learns how to showcase their work, negotiate with orchestras and institutions, and manage a website or digital catalog.
7. Internship in a workshop or abroad
To complete their training, students complete a multi-week internship at a renowned studio in France or Europe (Cremona, London, New York). This experience builds their professional network and exposes their work to new audiences.
8. Defense of the technical report
Each student writes a 20 to 30 page dissertation presenting:
- The design file (plans, photos, specifications)
- Technical and aesthetic choices
- Acoustic test protocols
- The prospects for career development
The defense before a jury composed of expert luthiers and university teachers validates the national diploma of the School of Lutherie.
9. Diploma and professional integration
At the end of the defense, the National School of Violin Making of Mirecourt awards:
- A state diploma (Bac + 2 to Bac + 3 level depending on the specialty)
- A certificate of craftsmanship
- Recommended access to professional orders or workshop creation
Mirecourt’s reputation and alumni network make it easy to find a job: many graduates become workshop managers, take over historic businesses or create their own brands.
10. The keys to a sustainable career
The third year is not limited to technique: it also transmits the great values of violin making:
- Craft ethics (respect for the material, sustainability)
- Reasoned innovation (integration of new technologies without sacrificing tradition)
- A passion for sound and gesture
- Cultural openness (collaboration with other arts and crafts)
These pillars train luthiers capable of perpetuating tradition while meeting the contemporary demands of musicians and the market.