We had an inspiring guided tour of the Academia. It is an essential combi with a visit to the Violin Museum.

A real treat!! There is such a difference between seeing ‘how it’s made’ in a museum and actually visiting with real students of the craft, learning/honing their skills as instrument makers and working with such heart and diligence and craftsmanship, in the small quaint rooms of an old palace building ... inspiring at all levels. It’s like stepping back in time ... the students, with their aprons and well-minded tools, working slowly and methodically under the watchful guide of the master violin maker and master bow maker, the smell of the varnish and of the wood shavings as each new instrument takes shape, all in its own time. Thank you so much to Marta who so expertly explained the processes of making a violin and a bow to us in English. The short hour with you at the school was wonderful and very much worth the train trip all the way from/to Lake Garda. Tip ... visit the school first in the morning and then go around the corner to the Museo dei Violini.

It was our good fortune to visit the Academia Cremonsis in May of 2018. Prior to our visit I enjoyed listening to the violin, but after our visit I appreciated all that goes into making that beautiful sound. Our wonderful guide, Massimo Lucchi knows everything about violin and bow making, and has a most charming and interesting way of teaching. There is no question he cannot answer, and his technical knowledge is immense. It was the highlight of our trip (that included La Scala) to northern Italy. Many thanks Massimo, for everything you did for us, including the tee shirts. I'm enclosing a picture of the grandchildren and grandparents wearing them.

YOu can learn a lot about the violin and about the violin making process. And where should you learne if not in the city of Amati, Guarneri and Stradivari.

Our private tour of the Academia was eye-opening. My conclusion is that the founder of the school figured out a way to capitalize on the Cremona vibe and history to teach others how to make a buck making and selling musical instruments. There are dozens of violin shops in Cremona. All the ones we passed were closed the weekday that we visited Cremona. I wonder when they are open. I have no idea what the quality of any of these musical instruments is, but I wouldn't be surprised if they sell for higher prices than they are worth simply because they are being sold in Cremona. Buyer beware. Stradivarius is dead; his secrets are forgotten; Cremona retains little of the charm I expected to experience.

We went to visit last week and had the most informative and interesting couple of hours. Easy to organise via email. Genuinely warm welcome and we were able ask as many questions as we liked of Lucia, and Giovanni the master violin maker who happened to be there that day, as well as the bow maker. We felt like VIPs. They have an infectious passion for Cremonese violin making. The students are so friendly too. Well worth the €50 for a private show round for my husband and mother and I. There is a good deal in the nearby restaurant too which we enjoyed. Highly recommended!

My wife and I were the only ones. The guide was tghe head of the school and we took 1 and a half hours and could have stayed longer. This school teaches beginners and veteran makers to craft violins in the Stradivarius method. We were first given a fascinating talk on the woods used, why the were used where, how they were shaped, molded to a pattern and finally assembled. What was glued, what was only fitted. How bows were made and the types. Differences between a $30,000 violin and a $1000 instrument. Then we went into the actual school and talked with the students, I think they had a total of 10 at that time. Some men, some women, an American, a Japanese, all the world is represented at one time or another. Two were there solely to learn to craft Bows, one had his own shop and was improving his skills, the American quit a high paying job in NYC rat race and sold everything she owned to move to Cremona and learn this art. These people were dedicated and willing to talk. Lunch time approached and we had to depart, the Museum a block away would be fte afternoon.

We made the hour train ride down from Milan for this tour of the school and an explanation of how violins and bows are made. This was the highlight of our trip to Italy. Even for two of us who do not play instruments, we found this incredibly interesting. If you or a family member play a string instrument, email the school to arrange a talk. There were only 8 in our group, so we could ask all kinds of questions.

What an amazing school. I came to this city just to visit but with incredible people and a stunning location with tons of knowledge passed down through generations how can one resist? I will be attending their program and would advise others with a passion for violins to do the same. Stop in and talk to Massimo, Marta, Lucia and others and find out what you are missing. This should be obligatory when visiting Cremona as well as all the other violin related sights and sounds

My wife and I visited this school as part of a quick one-night detour to Cremona en route from Rome to Venice. I am incredibly glad we did so. You are visiting a working violin/cello and bow-making school. The visit begins with an overview of the work they do and then you get a chance to tour the upstairs, which is where you'll likely see students working on their instruments and bows. If you have even the smallest interest in classical music, then you should definitely consider booking a tour. My wife is an amateur musician and was in seventh heaven. Even I, the non-musician, found the content and experience well worth it. Highly recommended.

Fantastic and informative tour by Lucia. We were able to ask questions, take photos. So wonderful to see the handcrafting of fine instruments by the masters.

Excellent experience, staffs were great, learnt so much, wide eyes open, if you like violin, you must go. : ) We make appointment by email and they replied very quickly. They charge a fix price for 1 up to 15 I guess, you can look up at their website, the money is to support the school as they are non profit, only income is from the guide tour and the tutorial fee from students, we really did think is in a good value for such an exclusive tour for just me and my hubby, we wouldn't want to spilt this cost with more people : ) So you can imagine this is wonderful to that level to us!! Mr.Lucchi explained everything to us and answer all our question about violin in English : ) This is the best of the best tour in our life!

We were greeted at the door and escorted into the school. Massimo described the school and the process of making violins and bows, then guided us through the school. We met the students, watched them work, and asked them questions. The school administration is very willing to customize your tour according to the age and interest of your group. If you plan ahead, and have this conversation through email, you will have a wonderful experience.

We visited the artisan workshops where violins and violin bows are made. The Academia Cremonensis gave a very interesting account on how the violins and bows are made, and showed us how it was done. These masters have immense and extremely detailed knowledge and it is a pleasure to learn of this new world with them. Enchanting!

Cremona is amazing, but this school was our favorite part of our whole trip. It is such an awesome, genuine, unique experience. The Director is so approachable and down to earth, you can call his cell # listed and set up a tour and it is a very interesting hour to hour and a half that ends up being a personalized physics and woodwork lesson. Truly amazing and the best part of Italy!