About Me

Who I am

Ludivine Brouillet

Originally from Dijon, France, I am a professional violin maker based in Newark-on-Trent, Nottinghamshire, where I specialise in the creation of handmade violins, violas and cellos. Combining traditional craftsmanship with a meticulous attention to detail, I create instruments that are designed to inspire musicians through exceptional tonal quality, playability and aesthetic refinement.

At the age of 19, I moved to England to study at the internationally recognised Newark School of Musical Instrument Crafts, one of the world’s leading schools for violin making. During my training, I developed a strong appreciation for the classical Cremonese tradition while learning to combine historical techniques with the practical requirements of modern musicians.

Since graduating in 2020, I have dedicated my career to making professional-quality stringed instruments using carefully selected European tonewoods and traditional hand tools. Every violin, viola and cello is individually handcrafted from the first stages of wood selection through to the final varnish and professional set-up, ensuring that each instrument possesses its own unique character and voice.

Years in the Industry

Projects Completed

Experience & Craftsmanship

Following my graduation, I gained valuable experience working in professional violin workshops in both the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. This allowed me to broaden my understanding of instrument making, restoration and professional set-up while working with musicians of different backgrounds and requirements.
Alongside my own workshop, I currently work as a Lecturer at the Newark School of Musical Instrument Crafts, where I teach the next generation of violin makers. Teaching has become an important part of my professional life, allowing me to pass on traditional techniques while continually expanding my own knowledge through research, discussion and practical work.
I also work with established violin workshops throughout the UK, providing professional set-up and tonal adjustment on new instruments to ensure they perform to their full potential before reaching musicians.

Handmade Instruments

Every instrument I make is entirely handcrafted and built individually rather than as part of a production process. I carefully select each piece of spruce and maple for its acoustic and visual qualities before beginning the many hundreds of hours required to create a finished instrument.

Each stage is carried out with the same objective: to produce instruments that are responsive, reliable and capable of supporting musicians throughout every stage of their careers.

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Professional Set-Up

In addition to making new instruments, I provide professional violin, viola and cello set-up.
A carefully executed set-up can dramatically improve both the sound and the playing experience of an instrument.
Services include:

Bridge fitting
Soundpost adjustment
Fingerboard dressing
Peg fitting
Nut adjustment
Tailpiece optimisation
String advice
Tonal adjustment

Whether working on one of my own instruments or on an existing violin, my aim is always to achieve the best possible balance between comfort, projection and tonal richness.

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Private Tuition

Alongside my work as a violin maker and tutor at the Newark School of Musical Instrument Crafts, I also offer private violin making tuition. Lessons are available for students preparing for violin making school, makers wishing to improve their techniques, and musicians interested in understanding their own instruments.

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My Philosophy

For me, violin making is a balance between tradition, precision and individuality.
Every instrument should possess its own personality while remaining faithful to the principles that have made classical Cremonese instruments admired for centuries. Rather than seeking perfection through machinery, I believe that careful hand craftsmanship allows each instrument to develop its own identity.
Whether I am creating a new violin, building a viola or cello, carrying out a professional set-up or teaching the next generation of makers, my commitment remains the same: to produce work of the highest standard with honesty, attention to detail and respect for the traditions of the craft.
I welcome enquiries from musicians, collectors, students and institutions looking for handmade instruments, bespoke commissions, professional set-up or violin making tuition.

Awward Winning

Luthier

Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to receive recognition for my work and craftsmanship.

Recipient of the Marcel Bleustein-Blanchet Foundation Bursary for cello making

Awarded the Colin Garrett Prize upon graduation at the Newark School of Musical Instrument Crafts

Fellowship with Women in Lutherie

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