I began making instruments in 1974 at age 16. In 1983 I graduated from the Violin Making School of America in Salt Lake City after completing four years of study.
As a further step toward establishing my professional credentials, I worked in San Francisco with Roland Feller (one of the finest shops in the country) doing repair and restoration work, much of it for members of the San Francisco Symphony and guest artists. While there I was able to study and handle some of the most renowned instruments of the Cremonese masters.
I also have spent time in Europe studying the finest Cremonese instruments, which is the style I emulate while incorporating my own designs.
In November 1984 in Ottawa I took part in my first competition at age 26, which was sponsored by the Violin Making Society of America. I won two awards there. My violin was chosen as one of the six finalists from more than a hundred others and was singled out for its concert hall tonal quality by every judge.
At the start of my career, I found this very gratifying. Since then I have received numerous other awards in international competitions for both tone and craftsmanship.
Further more, I am a member of the American Federation of Violin and Bow Makers.
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