Each summer the National Arts Centre  presents the Young Artist Program.  Young musicians from around the world come to Ottawa for chamber music coaching, masterclasses and recitals with Pinchas Zukerman and an internationally-renowned faculty.  Chatting with students who visited our workshop, it’s certainly clear they have an inspiring time here.

We were asked by the NAC to give a one hour ‘Question and Answer’ session for the string players regarding their instruments.  Some of the young students have rare expensive instruments, while others are playing on modest factory instruments. But many of the issues for maintaining them are the same.

We were welcomed to Perez Hall at Ottawa University by Allyson Rogers, administrator for the Summer Music Institute. To get things started, I gave a brief talk on soundpost adjustment. I often adjust the sound of instruments in the workshop for clients. Some players seem to have an instinctive understanding of how to work with a luthier while adjusting their instrument. While others, even experienced older professional musicians, seem lost how the process can work for them.

Developing a good working relationship between a luthier and musician became a running theme during the Q & A session.  The students asked interesting questions regarding their instruments – from issues involved with traveling with their instruments, to maintenance and repair techniques. It was useful to have my assistant with me, as we went back and forth discussing various problems and different solutions.  The same as we do in the workshop everyday. Perhaps we also gave an idea how violin makers can work successfully together as well.