Reasons to Attend VSA 2015 Conference

[TunaDay]

Hi:  Would it be useful for an amateur musician to attend the 2015 VSA Conference in Baltimore?  I have no interest in or talent for making instruments and am not in the market for an instrument at the moment.  I just love learning more about what goes into making instruments and how/why they work.  Also, are there parts of the Conference that would be more interesting for a non-maker?  Would it be best to attend all three days?  Thanks for any insights you might have.

[crazy jane]

Hi:  Would it be useful for an amateur musician to attend the 2015 VSA Conference in Baltimore?  I have no interest in or talent for making instruments and am not in the market for an instrument at the moment.  I just love learning more about what goes into making instruments and how/why they work.  Also, are there parts of the Conference that would be more interesting for a non-maker?  Would it be best to attend all three days?  Thanks for any insights you might have.

 

In the past, anyway, they have sponsored an event that's open to the general public called "Players Meet Makers," at which you can test-drive instruments and meet the people who make them, as well as other players. I went once and had a blast--even got to play a Burgess viola. My husband brought along a bow, which was a good idea. Interestingly, the bow (branded Villaume) itself generated a lot of interest and speculation regarding the individual maker.