A rural Pennsylvania school district is using 3D-printing technology to build affordable violins for students, with an aim to make music education accessible to all regardless of income.

California Area School District students show off their 3D-printed violins. Photo © California Area School District

Laura Jacob, Superintendent of the California Area School District, has produced more than 200 3D-printed violins over the past five years. The instruments cost $50 USD to create ($74 AUD), and Jacob provides students with the instruments free of charge as a result of grant funding. She aims to reduce the financial burden of renting traditional instruments, which can cost hundreds of dollars each year.

“Over 70% of our students are low-income. So that means 100% of our kids receive a free breakfast and free lunch every single day,” Jacob told CBS News.

“I just wanted to remove the cost factor completely,” Jacob said. “If that’s the thing holding a child back, then we have to change the model.”

Inspired by a video of Ottawa Symphony Orchestra musicians playing plastic instruments, Jacob tried and tested different models until she found one that was playable. The body of the violin is built out of plastic components, which are then fitted with strings and tuning pegs. The instruments are brightly coloured and more durable than a traditional violin, and in the case of damage, parts are able to be reprinted.

From the “humble beginnings” of two 3D printers, her operation has grown into a network of 30 machines that build instruments from Jacob’s own office. She also teaches a weekly 3D violin club for students.

“[It] makes me feel powerful because it’s a big group and we can all do it together,” said sixth grader Leyla Knox. 

Jacob’s aim for the program is to foster a lifelong connection with music within her students.

“It’s that moment when you see them smile like that, that smile that comes out as they’re starting to play and they create that sound themselves,” Jacob said.