Job Opportunities

At the Workshop Bench: An Interview with Givens Violins’ Workshop Manager, Doug Lay

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Full-time position open – Assistant Workshop Manager and Instrument Restorer

Claire Givens Violins – Minneapolis MN is seeking a highly skilled full-time Instrument Restorer to join our workshop as Assistant Workshop Manager. Assistant Workshop Manager & Instrument Restorer: The work of this position will include maintenance, repairs and restoration of inventory and customer instruments, and supporting the Workshop Manager with the day-to-day running of the shop.

Claire Givens Violins is a well-established shop in Minneapolis and has been serving the needs of string players locally, nationally and internationally for over 45 years selling fine violins, violas, cellos and their bows and accessories. The workshop is staffed by experts skilled in instrument and bow construction and restoration. Givens Violins partners with Dipper Restorations providing additional resources for restoration and historical research and the making of Early bows.

Required Qualifications:
• Certification in violin making obtained through a college/technical school, or equivalent apprenticeship and professional work experience sufficient to obtain similar knowledge in the world of violin making, restoration, and repair
• Minimum of three years professional experience in instrument restoration
• Keen interest in the world of violin making and its history
• Familiarity with aspects related to set-up of violin-family instruments
• Familiarity with structural repair of violin-family instruments
• Experience with various glues and their uses
• Skill with and knowledge of tools and equipment used in the repair and maintenance of violin-family instruments.
• Ability to make tonal adjustments through variables in the bridge, soundpost, strings and other parts of the instrument
• Familiarity with major repairs such as varnish restorations, neck grafts, inlaid patches, etc.

Job Requirements:
• Ability to understand and communicate the needs of professional musicians
• Exceptional time management and communication skills
• Customer service and relationship-building skills
• High standards of quality
• Ability to work as a member of a team
• On occasion, provide front counter support
• Adherence to workshop safety standards
• Proficient in conversational English
• Ability to work Tuesday-Saturday
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.

Additional preferred qualifications:
• High-level experience as a player of violin-family instruments.
• Willingness to travel on occasion to pick up and deliver instruments and bows and for special events

The successful candidate will possess the ability to take direction, to work independently as well as collaboratively, to work under pressure, to be punctual, to manage deadlines and be concerned with performance and accountability.

Compensation & Benefits:
Givens Violins offers compensation and bonuses commensurate with experience and training, paid vacations, sick time, holiday pay, medical insurance, disability insurance and help with tuition for further study. Further educational opportunities are available.

About Claire Givens Violins
Claire Givens Violins is a well-established shop in Minneapolis and has been serving the needs of string players locally, nationally, and internationally for over 45 years selling fine violins, violas, cellos and their bows and accessories. The large and well-equipped workshop located in downtown Minneapolis near Orchestra Hall is staffed by experts skilled in instrument and bow construction and restoration. Givens Violins partners with Andrew Dipper of Dipper Restorations providing additional resources for restoration and historical research on Early instruments and bows. Note: Givens Violins does not have a rental program, e.g., no maintenance of rental inventory is involved.

About Minneapolis
Located along the Mississippi River, Minneapolis and its neighboring city St. Paul serve as a regional center for the Upper Midwest and Northern Great Plains. The “Twin Cities” and the surrounding area offer a rich and diverse cosmopolitan setting. Their vibrant cultural scene offers many live music and theater venues, museums, great nightlife, and dining establishments. They are also home to several professional sports teams and Minneapolis is renowned for its commitment to green spaces and access to the great outdoors. From professional music organizations to community ensembles, to education for players of all ages, to access to great performances, there are many opportunities for local musicians and those working in the music industry to engage in the musical community.

Givens Violins is committed to equal employment opportunity and will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis including, but not limited to: veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin and physical or mental disability.

How to apply:

Please send resume and professional references to: cgivens@givensviolins.com

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Claire Givens Violins, Inc.
1201 Marquette Avenue, Suite 150
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403, USA
612/375-0708