Hans Rudolf Hösli

Broad musical education, travel in a wide variety countries, apprenticeship at the Swiss School of Violin Making in Brienz. My graduation with distinction launched me into my career as a violin maker.

1980 - 1996:   Own workshop specialising in making new violins, violas and cellos.

1985:     Advanced professional examination as master violin maker.

From 1987:     Working alone and together with the assistance of others, I produced more than 100 instruments over the 15 years I worked as an independent violin maker. My instruments have been received with acclaim by a wide public both in Switzerland and abroad. During this period, I undertook several stays in workshops in Italy and England.

1988:     Internship at the Istituto Svizzero di Roma, where I studied concepts of string instruments in parallel with comparative approaches in architecture.

1997 - 98:     One-year course in art history at the School of Design in Bern.

1996 - 2019:   Director of the Swiss School of Violin Making in Brienz. During this period the former cantonal school was transformed into a private structure; learning an string instrument was established as an integral part of the curriculum; a year-long course in restoration was introduced; the principles of instruction were further developed in the context of the ongoing reforms in education, and I oversaw the transformation and extension of the school premises.

More than 60 apprentices completed their training during this period. The School of Violin Making received several awards, and, since the year 2000, it has itself conferred the 'Golden Bow' award at the opening concert of the Meiringen Music Festival Week.

Since 2019: My fascination for traditional violin making continues undiminished. In it I see both the commitment that has driven me for years and now increasingly the choice that enables me to work freely in this creative field. Everything is always a question of practice...