association of violin makers in the Western Hemisphere

Southern Violin Association

2023 Southern Violin Association Annual Meeting and Violin Makers’ Competition

  • Sharing knowledge about making violin-family instruments and bows

  • Promoting playing by youth in the South

  • Preparing makers for national and international competitions


2025 Convention and Competition

3 days, Atlanta,  March 19-21, 2025. Held at Agnes Scott College Decatur, GA.

Makers Competition — Youth Concerto Competition — New Instrument Exhibit  — Education Program

The first 2 days will focus on the Maker Competition and the Education Program
The final day will feature the Youth Concerto Competition and the New Instrument Exhibit

For Convention hotel details: Click Here

Makers Competition

Selection of instruments from the 2024 “Makers Choice” competition

Makers will compete for awards in tone and workmanship for violin and viola.  Instruments will be available for viewing and playing for concerto competition contestants.

Workmanship Judges:   Bill Scott, Guy Harrison, Brian Kelly

Tone Judges: Catherine Allain, Johnathan Wright

 

Youth Concerto Competition

Southern Violin Competition 2025
Youth concerto competition for ages 14 – 18
Two divisions:  Junior 14-16   Senior 17-18  (It’s OK to play in the older age group if you wish)

Top prizes:
Senior  - Handmade violin by SVA makers.
Junior – Handmade bow by SVA Bowmakers.
Other great prizes as well!

Auditions:    First round by video submissions  (details coming soon)  Top 10 in each division will be invited to in-person finals in Atlanta (Spring date and location coming soon)

Instruments for the prizes are being made by members of the SVA. Two instruments are being prepared, the best will be selected as the 1st prize for the Senior division.

Adding the bass bar to the top of prize violin

Top, back, and rib structure of prize violin ready for assembly

New Instrument Exhibit

Beginning with a public reception on Thursday night and continuing Friday in parallel with the player competition, members will exhibit their instruments to the public for playing and sale.  Instruments in the making competition will join the exhibit once judging is complete.

Fee for each Instrument is $100. Limit 3 instruments. Bows, Violins, Violas, Cellos, and Basses all are welcome. You must be an SVA member. Maximum 60 instruments. You can ship instruments, but it’s better if you are present.


Education Program

In parallel with the maker competition, a series of presentations and demonstrations will grow our knowledge of instruments and making.




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