Scott Studios, Inc.

William Robert Scott

William Scott’s interest in violin making began in 1970. Completing his first violin following directions from a book on violin making, Mr. Scott worked at the Dahl Violin Shop in Minneapolis from 1977-83. Studies continued when he joined the workshop of Hans Weisshaar. These years of apprenticeship increased Bill Scott’s appreciation and eye for the classic masterpieces while fine tuning skills in restoration and repair. Mr. Scott's professional development has continued to grow with participation in the Violinmaking Workshop of Oberlin, where 35-40 makers from around the world meet together for two weeks. These makers spend the day (and night) creating instruments and learning from one another. More recently, involvement in the Oberlin Acoustics Workshop has peaked Mr. Scott's interest in this aspect of "making", moving from a more intuitive approach to one where a maker can use some scientific tools to learn and hopefully improve.

After returning to the Twin Cities and establishing his own workshop in 1986, Mr. Scott has focused on the making of fine violins, violas and cellos. These instruments have been consistently recognized for their workmanship and tone over the past quarter century. Medals and Certificates of Merit have been awarded to him at numerous Violin Society of America International Violinmaking Competitions dating back to 1982 including Gold Medals for viola (Nov., 2000, 2004, 2006) and Silver Medals in 2000 for cello tone, in 1992 and 1998 for viola tone, and in 2004 and 2006 for violin workmanship. The gold medals have earned him a very distinguished award of Hors Concours from the Violin Society of America.