THE MAKERS' FORUM
PLATFORM DEDICATED TO THE
MAKING OF CONTEMPORARY INSTRUMENTS AND BOWS
Mark Schnurr
violin maker
Mark Schnurr was born in 1978 in Guelph, Canada, where he began art and music studies at a young age. Building his first violins as a self taught maker, he later went on to study with violin maker, John Newton. It was under John’s tutelage where Mark honed his skills and developed his eye for classic Italian lines, focusing on fine woodwork, and beautifully patinated varnish. Working on many models, he aims to build instruments that have a broad tonal pallet, a clear even voice, and that project equally to some of the finest instruments
available. Mark is also interested in advancements of violin making through the study of acoustics and its applications to new construction, and has attended Oberlin acoustics workshops with some of the top researchers in the field. His violins, violas, and cellos are played by professionals, students, and amateurs throughout North America and Europe.
In 2018, he was awarded a silver medal for workmanship for his violin, at the Violin Society of America's 23rd international competition.