How much does it cost to enroll at the École Nationale de Lutherie?
Enrollment at the school is entirely free of charge.
Are there any fees to expect during the course of studies?
- A personal set of tools, to be acquired progressively starting from DNMADE 1 and no later than DNMADE 2. This personal set of tools, most of which will be used throughout the student’s career, costs approximately €1700.
- Supplies for Fine Arts courses amount approximately to €150 for the three years.
- Printing costs for the DNMADE final thesis (at the end of the third year), costs about €50.
Can students keep the instruments they have made?
Instruments made during the training remain the property of the school. However, students have the option to buy them at the end of the syllabus, at a price based on the cost of wood and raw materials.
What is the maximum age to apply to the school?
NB : The Parcoursup application method is not the same depending on the applicant’s situation.
- If candidates finished their studies less than three years ago, they can apply directly through Parcoursup.
- If candidates finished their studies more than three years ago, they must apply through Parcours+.
- In any case, candidates must be no older than 29 years at the time of application.
Does the school accept foreign students?
Yes, the school accepts foreign students, and several international students have studied there, coming from various parts of the world.
Candidates are expected to be fluent enough in written and spoken French to follow the classes successfully.
Foreign candidates must also provide proof of a secondary education diploma equivalent to the French Baccalauréat.
Are there any scholarships available for students entering the school?
Students enrolled in DNMADE are eligible for French higher education grants.
Is accommodation easily available in Mirecourt?
Students usually find either individual housing or shared accommodation. Mirecourt is a small town where rents are relatively affordable. As a guideline, monthly rents average €400.
What instruments can students learn to make at the school?
The school teaches violin, viola, and cello making.
As yet, bow making courses are not available.
The school teaches violin, viola, and cello making. As yet, bow making courses are not available.
Graduates usually find employment in small workshops (generally 2 to 3 employees), both in France and abroad.
These workshops typically handle maintenance, repair/restoration, and the making of string quartet instruments.
After gaining solid professional experience, former students may establish themselves as independent luthiers.
How can candidates make their application shine?
Applications (submitted online via Parcoursup) must evidence the applicant’s motivation and the seriousness of their approach.
In a concise and complete portfolio (“book”), candidates are strongly advised to highlight any prior experience in woodworking as well as in artistic fields.
Please be aware that musical practice (instrumental and/or choral) is mandatory and should be showcased in the portfolio.
Is it necessary to play the violin to apply to the school?
Musical practice is mandatory, but playing a string quartet instrument specifically is not required.
Violin, viola, or cello classes, as well as choral singing, are part of the curriculum.
Musical practice is mandatory, but playing a string quartet instrument specifically is not required. Violin, viola, or cello classes, as well as choral singing, are part of the curriculum.
There is a variety of backgrounds among students, and the first year is designed to help them become familiar with the different woodworking tools.
However, it is recommended to gain some prior experience with woodworking (to test one’s interest in the field), and ideally to have completed an internship in a lutherie workshop (to better understand the profession and working conditions).