The five-year program leads to the Italian Maturità (Esame di Stato) with a specialization in violin making. The diploma is recognized by universities and professional institutions worldwide. All three programs share the same cultural and theoretical foundation — they differ in the instrument focus of the practical workshops.
Students choose their specialization at enrollment. In some cases, prior experience or educational background may allow credit recognition and a shortened study path.
Construction of Modern
Bowed Instruments
The heart of Cremonese tradition. Students build violins, violas, cellos and double basses from scratch, following methods passed down since the time of Stradivari. Every detail — wood selection, mold construction, top and back arching, graduation, purfling, varnish preparation and application — is learned by hand under the guidance of master luthiers.
By the end of five years, each student will have completed multiple full instruments, developed a personal approach to the craft, and understood the acoustic principles that connect construction decisions to musical outcome.
| Instruments | Violin · Viola · Cello · Double bass |
| Year 1–2 | Foundations: tools, wood, basic construction |
| Year 3–4 | Full instruments, acoustics, varnish |
| Year 5 | Advanced work + mandatory internship |
Construction of
Plucked Instruments
Guitars, mandolins, lutes, theorbos — the full vocabulary of plucked instrument making. Students engage with both the historical tradition (Renaissance and Baroque lutes, early guitars) and contemporary instrument production, developing skills applicable across the entire spectrum of the modern lutherie market.
This specialization draws on Cremona's deep tradition of string instrument making while extending it into the rich world of fretted and plucked instruments. Graduates work in independent workshops, as restorers, and as production luthiers for professional and collector-grade instruments.
| Instruments | Classical guitar · Acoustic guitar · Mandolin · Lute |
| Focus | Historical models + contemporary production |
| Year 5 | Individual project + internship |
Maintenance
& Repair
Restoration and conservation of bowed and plucked instruments is a discipline as demanding — and as intellectually rich — as making. Students learn to diagnose problems, plan interventions, execute repairs ranging from crack consolidation to neck resets, and understand the ethical dimensions of conservation practice.
This specialization opens doors to museums, private collections, orchestral instrument pools, and dedicated restoration workshops worldwide. The combination of Cremona's unique position and the school's connections makes this truly exceptional professional training.
| Skills | Crack repair · Neck reset · Varnish restoration · Structural consolidation |
| Context | Museums · Private collections · Orchestras · Workshops |
| Year 5 | Restoration project on a historical instrument |
Ready to apply?
All three programs are open to Italian and international students. Learn about eligibility, admission requirements, and how to apply.
Enrollment information →