Founded in 1972

For over 40 years, VMSA has been acknowledged as an international leader in Luthier education

The Violin Making School of America was founded in 1972 by Peter Paul Prier in Salt Lake City, Utah. In this beautiful setting, the school provides you with a foundation of skills and knowledge on which to build a career as a Luthier. From their start in entry-level positions in violin shops, many of our alumni have gone on to join the elite of the profession.

The school seeks applicants who are motivated to combine the unique skills of violin making with the desire to construct instruments of tonal and aesthetic beauty.

  • Number of Enrolled Students

    We average 25 students enrolled in face-to-face instruction

  • Countries Represented by Our Students & Alumni

    VMSA Students and Alumni Represent over 19 Nations: the US, the United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, China, Hong Kong, South Korea,Taiwan, Canada, Mexico, Singapore, New Zealand, Japan, Jamaica, Thailand, Ukraine, France, Finland, and Russia

  • Number of Instruments Our Students Create

    During their three years, our students will produce 7 violins and one cello (a viola may be substituted for one of the violins)