Jess Fox VM ’06

Before coming to NBSS, I worked as a picture framer at a gallery in Minneapolis. I was ready for a change. Studying violin making was a no-brainer for me. I play the violin and have a background in visual art and woodworking. Violin making combines those three interests perfectly into a great career.

Because the North Bennet Street School houses a variety of departments other than violin making, I was able to have an exciting exchange of knowledge with students from a variety of disciplines. This is something I would not have received at the other violin making schools.

By enrolling at NBSS, I became part of a vast legacy of traditional craft, a legacy that is strong felt in the school. It’s rare to find an institution where great value is placed upon tradition, time-honored technique and plain old hard work. The very specific violin-building training is not something you can just “pick up” easily, learn from a book or find instruction on just anywhere.

I knew when I started that I wouldn’t make a lot of money as an instrument maker but money wasn’t my motivation. At NBSS, I had finally found the atmosphere I’d been looking for – one where like-minded, creative people put sweat equity into making beautiful things.

The most significant obstacle I faced coming to NBSS was moving to Boston and the cost of living but my husband was supportive and helped with living expenses while I was in school. I now work full time as a luthier doing instrument repair.