The maker
Pieter GoossensViolin Maker
Master's degree KASK Ghent, 2006 · VSA Member · BVBM Member
Pieter Goossens
Violin Maker · Ghent
Biography
From Bruges to Gentbrugge — a life devoted to the craft
Born in Bruges, Pieter Goossens was brought up on history, crafts and the love of classical music. His passion for the violin arose around the age of 17 during the Dranouter folk festival. He studied violin making at the conservatory (now KASK) in Ghent and obtained his master's degree in 2006.
After several years as an apprentice in Brussels — learning restoration, customer relations and refining his craft — he established his own atelier in Gentbrugge. As a violin maker, Pieter focuses on the search for beauty, perfection and harmony, taking the time to discuss every aspect of a new instrument with the musician so that model, appearance and playing comfort are fully adapted to their wishes.
"I am always looking for the instrument that lies hidden within the wood — the maker's task is simply to reveal it."
His training in the Cremonese tradition means every instrument is informed by careful study of the great makers — Stradivari, Guarneri, Amati — yet each new instrument is also a fresh response to the specific musician, their body, their sound ideal and their musical world. No two instruments are alike.
Pieter is a member of the Violin Society of America (VSA) and the Belgian Violin & Bow Makers (BVBM), and is listed in the internationally recognised Schilbach database of luthiers.
Journey
Journey of a craftsman
- Bruges
Birth & early years
Born in Bruges, raised on history, crafts and classical music.
- 1993
The spark
Discovers the violin at age 17 during the Dranouter folk festival. An immediate, life-changing passion.
- 1994
Classical studies
Begins formal violin lessons, immersing himself in the classical repertoire and the instrument's tradition.
- 1999
KASK Ghent
Enrols at the conservatory (now KASK — Royal Academy of Fine Arts) in Ghent to study violin making.
- 2006
Master's degree
Graduates with a master's degree in violin making — specialising in instruments in the Cremonese tradition.
- 2006–2009
Brussels apprenticeship
Works as an apprentice in a Brussels atelier, deepening skills in restoration, set-up and customer relations.
- 2009
Own atelier
Establishes his own workshop in Gentbrugge (Ghent), dedicated to new instrument making and sound improvement.
- Today
Continuing craft
Active member of VSA and BVBM. Instruments played internationally by professional and advanced musicians.
Memberships & Recognition
Professional standing
Violin Society of America
International organisation dedicated to the research, creation and preservation of fine string instruments and bows.
Visit website →Belgian Violin & Bow Makers
The professional association of violin and bow makers in Belgium, fostering craft standards and collegial exchange.
Schilbach International Database
Internationally recognised reference database for active professional violin makers worldwide.
Visit website →Interested in commissioning an instrument?
Start with a conversation. Pieter is happy to discuss your needs, answer questions about the process, and explore what an instrument made for you might look and sound like.