Calling all Presenters
2026 Convention proposals due April 1
Join a VSA tradition and share your expertise at our 52nd Annual VSA Convention in Cleveland, November 15-20
Nov 15-20, 2026
Cleveland, OH
Save the Date
Join us for a full week at the Hotel Cleveland for our 52nd Convention & 26th International Competition!
Details coming Spring 2026
Make
Repair
Connect
Advancing Instrument & Bow Making Since 1974
Membership in The Violin Society of America is open to all
Important Dates
Letter of Inquiry due for Spring 2026 grant cycle
The VSA invites members to submit Letters of Inquiry for Spring 2026 grants by March 1. We fund innovative projects advancing our mission, typically ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. Selected applicants will be invited to submit full applications by May 1.
Presentation Proposals due for 2026 Convention
The 2026 VSA Convention in Cleveland (Nov 15–20) invites instrument and bow makers to submit presentation proposals. We seek diverse topics—from history to innovation—via a two-step selection process. Share your expertise and submit your initial proposal through our online form.
First Fridays
Bow Vibrations
Presented by The VSA & Oberlin Acoustics Workshop - Discover how the subtle vibrations of bow hair and stick shape the voice of the violin. Professor Christopher Fang-Yen presents groundbreaking research using robotic bowing and laser vibrometry to decode the acoustic impact of skew bowing and hair sub-modes. Learn how these complex interactions influence sound output and future bow design in this intersection of physics and artistry.
First Fridays
Friction Force Reconstruction in Bowed Cello Strings: Extending the Method to a Real Bow
Presented by The VSA & Oberlin Acoustics Workshop - Explore the physics of the bow-string interface with award-winning researcher Alessio Lampis. This session decodes complex frictional forces and torsional dynamics, bridging mechanical engineering and musical artistry to reveal the "Wiener Klangstil" through advanced cello reconstructions.
Free Video - Lynn Hannings - 2025 Alliance Update
Enjoy this Free Video from our 2025 Convention in Minneapolis, and keep an eye on our Presentations & Recordings "Members Only" page as we roll out more Convention videos (about 1-2 per month).
Join The VSA to gain access to the other recordings.
Funding Future Luthiers
The Violin Society of America offers scholarship assistance to qualifying students studying the art of violin and bow making or restoration. To support this mission, the VSA maintains three dedicated funds:
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The Kaplan-Goodkind Scholarship Fund, created in memory of founders Albert J. Kaplan and Herbert Goodkind.
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The Kun Fund, honoring the legacy of Canadian bowmaker Joseph Kun.
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The Aram and Rose Nigogosian Fund, established in memory of the parents of Vahakn Nigogosian.
VSA Competition Winners
Renowned in the field of new making with up to 400 entrants and approximately 25 judges, The VSA’s International Competition is the premier event in North America for instrument and bow making
The Scroll
Ideas, methods and research from those shaping the future of instrument making.
Exclusive to VSA members.
Get Involved
Your time, skills or support can help preserve and advance the field.
However you choose to get involved, it makes a difference.
