Illustration by Jacob Chalkley
Problem: You want a fine instrument but can’t afford it. Temporary solution: Borrow one. A number of foundations, universities, and government institutions around the world arrange the loan of fine instruments to promising players. Snagging one, though, can be tough. For example, as few as 13 percent of the 20 to 30 applicants to the Stradivari Society annually receive an instrument. And borrowing has plenty of strings attached, both financial and otherwise. Nonetheless, if you think you want to go for it, here’s what you should know.
Plan Carefully
Since you want to make the most of any instrument you manage to obtain, planning is key. “To fully benefit, you need to spend weeks or months with it beforehand,” says Glenn Kwok, executive director of the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis, in which most participants use borrowed instruments. So figure out the dates for the competitions you want to enter or important concerts you want to play, and start seeking an instrument far in advance.
Provide a Video Resumé
At the most competitive organizations, the core of your application is your recording, preferably a DVD of a video-taped performance. On it, include a range of works from different periods. “The people looking to loan are seeking well-rounded artists with great potential who could benefit to the maximum from the violin,” Kwok says.
If the organization to which you’re applying allows it, include on the DVD a track in which you introduce yourself and discuss your musical and professional goals. That’ll provide a
sense of your personality, says Geoff Fushi, chairman of the Chicago-based Stradivari Society. “Some people have a kind of shine,” Fushi says. “That gives [us] an idea that there’s more possibility of them making it professionally.”
Demonstrate Your Motivation
Owners and organizations don’t want to lend to anyone who might be careless or otherwise flaky. Kwok suggests arming yourself with a few letters of recommendation that can address how mature and responsible you are. Another path to a loan is to win a competition. The quadrennial Indianapolis violin competition lets top winners borrow the 1683 “Ex-Gingold” Stradivari for four years. The Canada Council for the Arts, which loans out violins and cellos, holds regular competitions to identify recipients, who can keep an instrument for up to three years.
Think of It as an Investment
Still another option is to pay to borrow an instrument. The Maggini Foundation in Switzerland loans out fine stringed instruments for a monthly fee. Borrowers, though, still must pass muster with the foundation and submit resumés, concert reviews, recordings, and the like when they apply for an instrument.
Be Prepared for Conditions
Be aware of the many restrictions and obligations that come with a loaner. For example, students at the University of Minnesota who borrow a 1750 Guadagnini, which the music department loans out two to three times a year, can play it only in local recitals: no auditions or wedding gigs allowed. Before taking possession of the Guadagnini, borrowers are required to meet with the local luthier who maintains it. The Stradivari Society requires recipients to bring their instruments to an approved luthier three times a year for checkups. Performance obligations can be significant; the Canada Council for the Arts’ Musical Instrument Bank requires recipients to play six concerts a year in Canada. The Stradivari Society requires three private concerts a year for its patrons and other supporters.
Watch for Hidden Fees
Remember also that borrowing an instrument will likely cost you more than a few bucks. Borrowers generally don’t receive any fees for required performances for patrons of the loan organization. In most cases, they also pay their own travel costs to those appearances. Most recipients pay for the instrument’s insurance and the travel costs to the approved luthier, as well for as the maintenance itself.
Expect the Unexpected
Beware of the potential for snafus. In the late 1990s, when a buyer unexpectedly surfaced, violin soloist Corey Cerovsek was asked to return an instrument to the Stradivari Society just before a major concert. After much awkward back-and-forth, Cerovsek was permitted to keep the instrument for the performance and for a period afterwards.
Fushi calls the incident a “misunderstanding” and insists that the situation “ended amicably.” For his part, Cerovsek advises players to “be aware” of possible snags but doesn’t want to discourage others for borrowing. He is currently borrowing the “Milanollo” Stradivari of 1728, which he calls “the musician’s dream loan.” | 
