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String Bank
String Bank
String Bank
Western's String Instrument Bank is a collection of more than 40 fine Italian, French and English instruments and bows. These are available for loan to select string students in Music Performance and are maintained by our resident experts.
All incoming string students are expected to procure and maintain access to a professional-level instrument throughout the duration of their studies. Though eligible students may apply to be considered for an instrument loan through Western’s String Bank, these loans are not guaranteed upon admission and should not be considered a substitute for personal access to an instrument. The normal expectation is that students have an adequate instrument to attend to their degree.
For more information contact Strings Division Coordinator Professor Annette-Barbara Vogel.
Application Forms
- String Bank Loan Application (PDF)
- Summer String Bank Loan Application (PDF)
- String Bank Travel Application (PDF)
Return of School-Year Instruments
Instruments borrowed for the duration of the school year must be returned by the date and time assigned upon sign-out. Typically, this is by 1:30pm on the 3rd business day following the last undergraduate class. Late returns will incur penalty fees unless alternate arrangements have been previously authorized, in writing, by Annette-Barbara Vogel avogel@uwo.ca at least two weeks before the return deadline.
The String Bank is located in Talbot College, room 313, open Monday to Thursday 9am–1:30pm.
For more information, contact the Music Resource Coordinator Leonard Ingrao at lingrao@uwo.ca or 519-661-2111 x85395.
Summer Loans
Normally, summer loans must be returned by the first Saturday of the academic year. The return deadline for 2026, however, is Monday, September 14 before 1pm. Late returns will incur penalty fees.
Annual String Instrument Care Workshop
Attendance at this annual workshop is mandatory for all students who wish to borrow an instrument or bow from the Western String Instrument Bank. Students are not eligible to receive a String Instrument Bank loan unless they have attended the workshop.
All bowed-string students registered or intending to register for lessons—including undergraduate and graduate majors and non-majors—are required to attend. Other students and members of the university community are also welcome to attend.
The workshop provides essential information on the proper care, handling, and maintenance of string instruments and bows, as well as guidance on repairs and purchasing instruments. Additional topics, such as the history of instrument making, may also be discussed.
2026 info - NEW DATE: Saturday, September 12 | 2pm | MB254 | approximate duration 2.5h
Contacts
Annette-Barbara Vogel
Professor of Strings
String Bank and Strings Division Coordinator
avogel@uwo.ca
Leonard Ingrao
Music Resource Coordinator
lingrao@uwo.ca
519-661-2111 x85395