Niam Chauhan
Niam is conducting training in Violin making and repair at the Newark School of Violin Making. He began self-teaching before taking up formal training both in schools and colleges and with private companies. During his training at the Newark School, he has learnt to construct, varnish and set up violins to a professional standard. He has also learnt about the history of the practice and further context around the craft throughout his training. Niam is only 21 and has already dedicated 8 years of his life to the maintenance and studying of old instruments, exploring advanced areas which most have not had the chance to learn about at the same stage in their training. He wishes to encourage others to take interest in this rare discipline and the history and context that surrounds it, through general conversations, appearances at maker fairs and through social media. Niam’s referee, Melvin Goldsmith, describes him as having impeccable character with a great ambition and enthusiasm to progress in the craft.