Nathan AbbeViolin Making & Repair Teaching Assistant
Graduate VM ‘20
Hometown: Manchester, NH
What did you do before coming to NBSS?
I was a sculpture fabricator specializing in mold-making and casting.
What is your favorite NBSS experience?
I will never forget when I heard my first violin being played for the first time. There's so much effort and uncertainty that goes in to completing the first instrument, from submitting an application to NBSS, to moving to Boston, to applying an immense amount of newly-learned skills towards an unfamiliar process. Hearing it for the first time is pure validation to keep moving forward full stop.
What's the most important thing you've learned at NBSS?
Violin making and repair is extremely rewarding, but at times it is very challenging, frustrating, and monotonous. There will be superb days and there will be difficult days. It is imperative to listen to your body and understand when you can take advantage of having good days or when you need to step back, switch focus, and dig yourself out of a hole. Working day after day at the bench has taught me so much about myself and how to face stress and anxiety in a healthier way.
What have been your favorite distractions in the past year?
Cooking, cycling, and Mario Kart. Wait, no, I mean... violin making! Mostly Mario Kart...