Alan is a violin maker and teacher, offering a range of services including: violin and flute lessons, repair and restoration, violin sales – old and new (handmade) alongside individually commissioned instruments.

Perhaps you are looking for private violin tuition or maybe an Irish / Scottish fiddle workshop in a relaxed friendly environment.

You may be planning a visit to the Lake District or already live locally – we are based at Kirkby-in-Furness, Cumbria. Why not give us a call, we would be delighted to discuss your requirements and let you try some of our instruments.

Tuition & Workshops

Both lessons and workshops are targeted at both those starting out on their journey with the violin

and to intermediate / more advanced players who are looking to develop their technique and repertoire and/or study for examinations.

Individual tuition tends to be on half or one hour basis but can be extended up to a whole day or even a weekend if required.

You can focus your learning through the playing of either classical or traditional pieces of music, either way it should be an enjoyable experience.

Traditional Music Workshops are normally offered on a half, full day or weekend basis we are able to offer limited accommodation (two double rooms) if required.  Alternative accommodation or camping can be arranged locally.

N.B. Enhanced CRB check in place.

For further details please contact

Repair & Restoration

I offer a full repair and restoration service including full set-up and tonal adjustments.

Typical work might include:

• Bridge, nut and sound post fitting / replacement
• Peg hole bushing and new peg fitting
• Repair of sound post and other cracks / plate damage
• Finger board resurfacing / replacement
• Neck angle adjustments
• Neck and peg box repairs and splices
• Rib, lining and internal block / bass bar remedial work
• Plate adjustments

• A bow re-hair and repair service is also available.

Every effort is made to ensure a prompt and efficient service. Where appropriate I may be able to offer the loan of a temporary instrument.

For quotations and estimates please contact

Commissions

My interest in instrument making started at the tender age of sixteen when I made my first guitar – the Deputy Head teacher at the school was so impressed he commissioned me to make a classical guitar for himself.  This early start inspired a lifelong interest in musical intrument making and I have since accepted commissions for a wide range of instruments.

I accepted my first commission for a violin over fifteen years ago, I have since taught violin making classes for the Local Education Authority and made many quality violins and violas for serious students and teachers alike. These include a violin for the Director of the English Touring Opera Company, an early violin which is currently being played by a student violinist with the Birmingham Youth Orchestra and a number of small violas specifically made for the smaller player including my old violin teacher – see photos.

I accept commissions for bespoke handmade instruments and would be pleased to discuss your requirements.  Prices can vary with each instrument and the commissioning process needs to be aligned with requirements of the individual player and therefore a consultation is essential.

Where possible I always try to offer a discount for my own students.

For further enquiries please contact

Sales

In addition to specifically commissioned instruments, I also usually try to keep at least one of my

own new instruments available for full trial without commitment.

I also try to keep a good selection of older and second hand instruments for sale which can also be tried at leisure and without commitment – you can take all day if you want!

Sales and viewing are normally by appointment but a quick phone call will usually suffice to make arrangements - contact

Where possible I always try to offer a discount for my own students.

A selection of instruments for sale are shown below – for further information / photos please contact

Alan Towse

We always aim to provide a friendly, personal service, however viewing is strictly by appointment.

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