Guitar

Art Diploma

The path that lead Antoine to lutherie is itself a journey through arts and craft, materials and their varied applications. Music!

Antoine grew a passion for musical instruments and woodwork at a young age. Being a guitarist since the age of 11 enabled him to fine tune his ear and to familiarise himself with musicians’ needs.

After his general studies, Antoine began his training with woodwork through a rigorous, yet sensitive, approach. By the way of traditional cabinet making to the design of contemporary furniture, Antoine graduated with an art and craft diploma with distinction (diploma des métiers d’art, Revel, France – 2005). Various professional experiences punctuated this journey.

He then joined the International School of Instrument Making of Newark (UK) where he first studied guitar making, followed by violin making. While studying, Antoine further strengthened his skills working for The Workshop in Cambridge.

At his diploma show in June 2009, his instruments were noticed by the Allegri Quartet, which resulted in a special mention of his work in the Strad Magazine (October 2009).

“…I was struck by its Stradivari-like charm, and its warm and glowing sound was unlike that of any other instrument I had heard on this or any previous visit.” (link)

A year later, the International School of Instrument Making of Newark (UK) invited him to join its teaching staff. Antoine now leads the Foundation Year and teaches the 1st Years one day and an half a week.

In April 2016, Antoine won the International Prize “Coup de coeur Renaud Stahl” at the Viola Making Competition “Viola’s 2016” held in Paris. Renaud Stahl is the viola soloist of the Ile-de-France National Orchestra.

Antoine and his peers regularly exchange ideas in order to strengthen their professional skills. The recurrent theme of his work is to develop his lutherie with professional musicians. He is a member of the British Violin Making Association.

Nowadays, Antoine entirely dedicates his time to the making of the instruments of the quartet.

Link to my CV