a unique grant opportunity for advanced students and early professional violinists
Because outstanding violinists need outstanding violins
If you are an early professional violinist or advanced student who has been unable to find and afford a violin capable of growing with your career, you may be eligible for an unusual grant for this unique violin adventure…
Spend two days with a violin maker
Learn the secrets of the great Cremonese luthiers
Discover the magic of a subtle sound post or bridge adjustment
And play from a collection of outstanding hand-built violins
My name is Craig Danner, and I am a professional violin maker searching for gifted players struggling to afford their soulmate violin. I am offering an expense-paid, two-day visit to my workshop in Hood River, Oregon, for both the grantee and a companion. While here we will delve into the mysteries of violin making and give you a chance to play over a dozen performance quality handmade violins. From an intensive introduction to violin construction, to acoustic vocabulary, violin ergonomics, how to properly audition a violin, and much more, you will come away with an abundance of valuable new information and — perhaps — a violin that you both love to play and can afford to own.
About the grant
The purpose of the grant is to provide gifted players with an unusual educational experience as well as an opportunity to acquire a performance quality violin at a significant, affordable discount. To that end, the grant provides you and a companion with free transportation from your nearest major airport to my workshop and home in beautiful Hood River, Oregon, for two full days of instruction, discussion, and violin trials. Lodging is in private guest quarters with two bedrooms, a private bath, and a view of 11,000′ Mount Hood. Meals will be family-style with me and my wife at home, or as our guest at one of the many local eateries within walking distance.
About the experience
During your visit, you will have two full days with me in my violin workshop and practice space. Topics are unlimited, and may include:
Violin Making for the Player: An intensive primer on violin building, from tone wood and model selection to varnish and set up.
Acoustics Vocabulary: Learn the words used to describe violin tone, response, and playability.
Violin Care and Maintenance: Instruction in what to do, and not do, to care for a professional level violin.
Adjustments: Demonstrating how sound post placement, bridge tuning, string selection, string height, tailpiece and tuners can all be manipulated to achieve the violin’s and the player’s best sound.
Ergonomics: Personalized chin rest and shoulder rest selection and adjustment to avoid injury and make playing easier and more comfortable.
Violin trials: Evaluating over a dozen professional quality instruments for tonality and playability.
Choose your favorite: Finding an instrument that speaks your language.
Huge discount from market value
Successful grant applicants will be actively searching for an appropriate violin and financially capable of committing to one of the three purchase/lease-to-own options available:
#1 Purchase outright for $6500 (2023 estimated market value between $15-25,000).
#2 Lease-to-own at $1000 a year for 7 years
#3 Rent-to-own at $90 a month for 90 months
Visit at no cost or obligation
There is no application fee, and the grant fully covers all costs for transportation, food and lodging. Obviously, I hope that each player will find their soulmate violin, but under no circumstances would you be obligated to commit to purchase. If you do find a violin you love, I ask that you take it home on a trial basis and spend time playing it in different venues and getting additional opinions from those you trust. Only then would you need to make a final decision to buy, lease, rent, or simply return the violin.
About me, my violins, and Crispin/Hammer
How to apply
The grant application process is free, fast, and straightforward. I ask for basic information about you and your musical background, as well as a short letter of recommendation attesting to your sincerity and good character. I do not require proof of financial need or ask for an audition recording, and there are no age restrictions.
What are your chances of receiving a grant? Excellent! If you meet the simple criteria (you need a better violin and can afford at least one of the discounted price options) then your application will likely be accepted. That said, the grant is not designed for those with the resources to pay full market price (but I’d be happy to talk to you!). Each grant is valued between $2000 and $8000, and I am only able to provide a limited number of grants each year. I hope these will all go to violinists who truly need the support.
I review applications year-round on a rolling basis. If you feel you could benefit from this unique and valuable opportunity, please click the button below. I look forward to meeting you!