Guillaume Schönau is a member of the American Federation of Violin and Bow Makers (AFVBM) and the Violin Society of America (VSA).

He studied restoration of old instruments at West Dean College, England during a professional development course offered by BVMA (British Violin Making Association), under the direction of J & A Beare Workshop. Luthiers from around the world, who desired learning the techniques developed by specialists in the restoration of old instruments, attended this training. Guy Rabut Christine Marmy, Jean-Jacques Fasnacht, Mark Robinson, Derek Wilson and Tim Baker led the workshop.

In summer 2008, he worked in Cremona, Italy, with master Luthier Borja Bernabeu. The high quality of Mr. Bernabeu’s work and his deep knowledge of manufacturing techniques used by the Cremona violin makers have significantly altered G. Schönau’s future instruments.

Guillaume Schönau graduated from collège des métiers d’art de Québec. At the end of his studies, he received a scholarship offered by the CFCMA, allowing him to deepen his research on oil varnish. He worked with Simon Bruneau for some years. He then made a cello before working with Richard Compartino’s violin workshop.

In 2004 he founded, with Joel Tardif, Luthiers Schönau & Tardif inc. Workshop, Located at 838 Rue St-Joachim, in Quebec City.