Assistant Violin Maker

Alf Studios; Greater London; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Alf Studios in London, UK, is seeking an experienced Assistant Violin Maker to join the workshop for a full-time 3-month contract. You will work under the Master Luthier, handling major violin/viola making steps and final setup with traditional Cremonese techniques.

The role demands at least 5 years of violin making, mastery of woodworking and hand varnishing, and fluency in English; Italian is a plus. A collaborative, self-managed approach is essential for success in our high-standards workshop.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in violin making.
• Strong foundation in traditional craftsmanship.
• Fluency in English; Italian proficiency is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Independently execute major steps in violin and viola making, from woodworking through varnishing and final setup.
• Maintain meticulous standards of craftsmanship throughout the build process.
• Lead by example to maintain an organized, respectful workshop culture.
• Coordinate production timelines and workflow with Head of Production.
• Supervise and support junior makers or assistants as delegated.

Skills

Violin making

Woodworking

Hand varnishing

Cremonese tradition

Self-management

Team collaboration

English fluency

Attention to detail

Education

Cremonese craftsmanship training

Job description

Led by one of the most respected violin makers of our time, Alf Studios has built a prestigious reputation for crafting instruments favored by world-class musicians around the world. With five decades of expertise, Gregg Alf has combined a deep tradition of meticulous artistry with innovation and modern techniques to produce a violin making concept that is one of its kind.

Position: Assistant Violin Maker (Full-Time)
Contract: Full-Time (3 Months)
Based in: London, U.K.

Role & Responsibilities

The Assistant Violin Maker will work in close collaboration with ASCV’s Master Luthier, contributing to the creation of concert-level instruments and supporting the operational excellence of the workshop. This role is intended for an experienced violin maker with a strong foundation in traditional craftsmanship, capable of working independently while upholding the highest standards of precision, artistry, and cultural awareness.

1. Instrument Making & Artistic Collaboration

Independently execute major steps in violin and viola making, from woodworking through to varnishing and final setup.

Implement established methods used in the studio, with the ability to adjust based on instrument-specific considerations.

Maintain meticulous standards of craftsmanship throughout the building process.

2. Workshop Operations & Mentorship

Lead by example in maintaining an organised, respectful, and focused workshop culture.

Support the coordination of production timelines and workflow with the Head of Production.

Help supervise and support junior makers or assistants when delegated, ensuring consistency with studio standards.

Candidate Expectations

Minimum 5 years’ experience in violin making, preferably with formal training in the Cremonese tradition.

Strong command of both woodworking and hand-applied varnishing techniques.

Familiarity with concert-level tonal expectations and finishing requirements.

Fluency in English required; Italian proficiency highly desirable.

A respectful, ethical, and team-oriented approach to workshop collaboration.

High degree of self-management and reliability in a low-supervision environment.

Ability to handle complex projects and adapt to evolving artistic directions.

Passion for the craft, cultural humility, and a long-term commitment to excellence.