Becoming a member of the EILA

The Entente welcomes qualified colleagues to apply for membership.

Membership entails more than skills, knowledge, and experience. EILA members serve and contribute to our art in ways beyond the workbench, forming bonds of friendship and trust as we share our knowledge and work together to preserve the priceless heritage of ages past.

Members are expected to contribute to our organization by participating in the activities and life of the Entente, especially by attending the biennial Congresses held in different cities around the world.

Membership is conferred by 2/3 majority vote of the Committee.  Voting occurs during the annual Committee meeting in even-numbered years.

Our statutes require that all application materials must reach the General Secretary by December 31 in odd-numbered years.

All required application materials must be received by the General Secretary before February 1 in even-numbered years.

Types of Membership

• Full members are instrument and bow makers that are owners or directors of a workshop.
• Associate members are instrument and bow makers employed in senior positions by full members of the EILA.

Qualifications for Membership

Applicants for full membership must

• be 35 years of age at the time they submit their application;
• have completed an apprenticeship in violin or bow making with a firm or trade school of approved reputation;
• have pursued the profession of violin or bow maker as a maker and/or restorer with an approved master for at least five years after their apprenticeship;
• have, for a minimum of three years before applying for membership, operated their own shop as a violin or bow maker, or have been a master violin or bow maker managing a firm of good repute, and must in each case be in constant and direct contact with musicians.

Applicants for associate membership must

• be 30 years of age at the time they submit their application;
• have completed an apprenticeship in violin or bow making with a firm or trade school of approved reputation;
• have pursued the profession of violin or bow maker as a maker and/or restorer with an approved master for at least five years after their apprenticeship;
• be currently employed by a Full Member in good standing.

Please remember these are guidelines. Colleagues who do not conform exactly may be eligible for membership under special circumstances although, in these instances, the Committee may award membership only by unanimous vote.

All applicants must use this form to request the current version of the application materials directly from the Secretariat. Do not share with others the materials you will receive.

Applications submitted without completing this form, or using old versions of the application materials, will not be accepted.