About

Our new workshop area accommodates up to 12 students in pods of 3, promoting student camaraderie. A centralized hook-up in each pod provides charging capabilities for cell phones, iPads, and other electronic devices. Rolling chairs with a height adjustment make it a breeze to adjust for optimal bench height for woodworking. A beautifully handcrafted cherry instructor’s bench, designed and built by Rodney D. Mohr, is the focal point for demonstrations.  A 75” television screen for compatibility with a computer, microscope, or simple movie watching adds to technology flexibility along with a 4’ x 8’ whiteboard ideal for class drawings and projection. 

The workshop is directly west of the current workshop and is within walking distance to downtown.  On the way North to downtown you'll pass the Post Office, Taco Bell, Rite Aid, the Ashland Library, the Chamber of Commerce and the Municipal Building, while next door is Romeo's Pizza and Dunkin Donuts. Across the street is Subway, Domino's Pizza, and Eva's Treats.  To the South is Ashland University, Burger King, Arby's, Pizza Hut, Little Caesar's, McDonald's, and several gas stations.  Needless to say, the location has a lot to offer as it is located on one of Ashland's main drags.  

We hope everyone will love the new location.  Expected moving date is September 5, 2023. Watch your workshop emails for the new address.

Rodney D. Mohr 

Workshop Director
Bow Maker & Restorer

Rodney D. Mohr has demonstrated his leadership abilities by holding the position of President of the Violin Society of America, American Federation of Violin & Bow Makers, and Center Street Historic District Association.  He is a current Board member and Alumni of the Kenneth Warren & Son School of Violin Making, now known as the Chicago School of Violin Making.  He is the Chair of the Preservation Board for the City of Ashland Historic District and a member of the VSA and the AFVBM, and is the current Workshop Director of Learning Trade Secrets.

His international reputation as a bow maker and restorer has reached as far as Taipei, Taiwan, where he has been invited to work on the country's finest instruments.  He has received multiple awards from international competitions and has earned the distinction of Hors' Concours from the Violin Society of America.  Mr. Mohr also has been a past judge for VSA International Competitions.  He is one of three bow makers in the United States that hold a Master of Bow Making Certificate from the American Federation of Violin and Bow Makers, which no longer awards the certificate.  As a past Co-Director of the VSA/Oberlin Bow Restoration Workshop and current owner of Learning Trade Secrets and Director of Bow Workshops, Mr. Mohr has spent decades training individuals in the fine art of bow making and restoration, including his daughter Katherine.

Rodney reached a major milestone in November 2018, having completed his 1,000th bow, now in a private collection.  He continues to make and restore bows in his home studio in Ashland, Ohio, where he services musicians and collectors from around the globe. Upon receiving his first patent in 2021, Rodney is in the developmental stages of bringing his patent to life through a third business called "NuBow Inc."

Ann L. Mohr

Business Manager & Finance Director

Ann L. Mohr attended Indiana University as a violin performance major and later the Chicago School of Violin Making, where she earned her diploma.  Since then, she has focused her career in finance and business management.  She currently owns and operates the business of Mohr & Mohr, Learning Trade Secrets and NuBow Inc.  Mrs. Mohr earned her BS in Business with a concentration in acounting from the University of Phoenix, where she graduated with honors and was a member of Delta Mu Delta, Lambda Sigma Chapter of the Business Honor Society.  She also holds a Non-Profit Leadership Certificate from The Ohio State University.

As a professional violinist and talented manager, Mrs. Mohr has held many leadership positions, including Principal, Assistant Concertmaster, Personnel Manager, Librarian, and Executive Director of the Ashland Symphony Orchestra.  She has been the Finance Manager of the Ashland County Council on Aging and the past treasurer of the Center Street Historic District Association.  Mrs. Mohr has volunteered as a Tax-Aide for AARP, entering her 13th year in 2023. 

Katherine A. Mohr

Bow Maker, Restorer
Marketing & Social Media Director

Katherine A. Mohr is recognized as the first second-generation female bow maker in the United States.  She owns and operates fille de Mohr, focusing on bow making and restoration to follow in her father's footsteps.  Ms. Mohr is the Assistant Instructor for Learning Trade Secrets Bow Workshops and aides in workshop planning and social media marketing.  Ms. Mohr is a past board member of the Violin Society of America and past chair of the New Professionals and Social Media Committees.  She is the Administrator of several online platforms for fille de Mohr and Violin Business Professionals. Her social media presence in the industry and within other organized groups is virtually unparalleled.