Oded Kishony’s early experiences fostered the patience, precision, and focus needed to create great instruments. He spent his childhood playing with the woodworking tools in his father’s cabinet shop. His working life began at the age of 15 when he was apprenticed to a diamond cutter. After graduating from college with a degree in English and Psychology, he began working as a weight and balance controller for an international airline and traveled extensively in Europe and Asia.

Kishony began making violins on his own. After completing three instruments, he showed his work to Dr. Albert Mell, editor of the Journal of the Violin Society of America. Dr. Mell complimented his efforts but advised him that violinmaking is a complex and sophisticated art, and that he should find a teacher. Dr. Mell then introduced him to Andrew S. Kim, who had taught at the Chicago School of Violinmaking and had won a double gold medal from the VSA. Oded studied with Mr. Kim for over a year and made two violins.