Tim Duerinck (1991) studied violin making at the Royal Conservatory Ghent, Belgium. He did internships with Marcin Krupa in Poznan (Poland) and Yann Porret in Paris (France). During his education he took an interest in acoustics, publishing his bachelor paper in a scientific peer-reviewed journal. During his master he experimented with different materials and shapes, resulting in the creation of the Styrofoam cello. He continues his artistic research through a PhD in the art of instrument making in a cooperation between Ghent University and KASK & Conservatorium Ghent, which is funded by the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO).

In an effort to steer away from uniformity, Tim creates unique instruments in both design and use of materials. He uses a variety of materials including – but not limited to – carbon fiber, glass fiber and flax fiber to create durable music instruments with a unique sound. As such he pushes the boundaries of what is believed to be possible in the violin making community. Tim is part of a select group of researchers and violin makers who exchange knowledge and insights during annual meetings and workshops such as the Oberlin Acoustics workshop (USA) or the Villefavard acoustics workshop (France). He is currently a teacher at the Royal Conservatory of Ghent and shares his know-how with a broader audience through social media and videos in which he demonstrates his making process.

Tim Duerinck’s instruments have been used in a variety of international concerts and have been exhibited as visual pieces of art by Design Museum Gent, The Cello Museum and BOZAR. Composers Patrick Housen and Reinhard Vanbergen have written music specifically for his instruments.