The 26th International
Competition
Registration open through Oct 18
The VSA's flagship event, Nov 15-20 in Cleveland, is now open for entry
Out Now
The Scroll
Vol 11, No. 3 Summer 2026
Featuring articles on the 1763 Antes cello, pegbox crack repair methods, fingerboard materials research, luthier Sam Zygmuntowicz, and a Miró Quartet profile.
Join The Scholarship Auction
Call for Donations: $25,000 Goal
Contribute your violin shop supplies, instruments, materials, tools, and accessories to a live auction at the convention
Convention Registration Now Open
Nov 15-20, Cleveland OH
Join us for a full week at the Hotel Cleveland for our 52nd Convention & 26th International Competition!
Important Dates
September 16
Join The VSA Meetup in Chicago
Join us in Chicago for an evening of connection and camaraderie with fellow makers, restorers and enthusiasts. VSA Membership is encouraged, all are welcome.
7pm
Pizza Lobo
457 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60640
October 2
First Fridays
Presented by The VSA & Oberlin Acoustics Workshop, First Fridays virtual meetings are your chance to connect with experts and researchers in acoustics. Open to all regardless of VSA membership. Session details to be announced.
October 18
26th International Competition Registration Deadline
Held concurrently with the convention, the competition is The VSA's premier event to honor outstanding achievements by contemporary luthiers. Competitors from the around the world are invited to enter their instruments and bows for blind judging in categories of Tone and Artisanship by distinguished panels of makers and musicians.
All competitors must be active members in good standing. Ensure your membership is current and register now to reserve your place in the competition.
November 15-20
The 52nd Convention & 26th International Competition in Cleveland
Join hundreds of your colleagues at the Hotel Cleveland for this year's event, featuring:
- Expert Programming
Learn from master luthiers, acoustic scientists, and guest speakers across five days of presentations. - International Competition
View hundreds of handcrafted instruments and bows evaluated by world-class panels. - Vendor & Instrument Exhibits
Connect with premier trade vendors and test outstanding contemporary work.
March 1
Spring 2027 Grant Letters of Inquiry Due
The VSA invites members to submit Letters of Inquiry for Spring 2026 grants by March 1st. 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.
Free Video - Lynn Hannings - 2025 Alliance Update
Enjoy this Free Video from our 2025 Convention in Minneapolis, and head over to the Presentations & Recordings "Members Only" page as we're adding more Convention videos every month!
Join The VSA to gain access to the other recordings.
$29,000 Given in 2026 Scholarships
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.
