From rocking out on the electric guitar to commanding the orchestra stage, Mary Grace is a multi-talented young musician carving out her own sound. When searching for an instrument that matched her petite frame without sacrificing the rich, deep tones of a true viola, standard rentals fell short. Everything changed when she found V. Richelieu™—discovering a custom-built 14-inch viola named Onyx and later a handcrafted violin named Wren, both thoughtfully designed to let her artistry truly shine.

For Mary Grace and her mother, Belinda, finding an instrument built from sustainably sourced tonewoods brought clarity, projection, and new joy to every performance.

For music educator Soria Nguyen, the viola was once a childhood compromise—a small, nasal-sounding instrument she nearly quit at age six. But years later, standing under five feet tall and struggling to find an instrument that didn’t force her to sacrifice her physical comfort for her art, everything changed. Step inside Soria's deeply personal journey of coming full circle, discovering the breathtaking depth of a Myrtle wood V. Richelieu viola, and finding the voice she was always meant to share with her students.

In the world of stringed instruments, there's a rare and beautiful chemistry that happens when a dedicated artist meets an instrument built with soul. This is the story of how a mother’s dedication, two sisters' unbreakable bond, and a workshop in Vermont collided to change the trajectory of a musical journey forever. Find how the instruments unlocked their sound — and changed their confidence, their competitions, and their future.

Most people remember the first time they held a violin. For Toby, it wasn’t in a stuffy conservatory or a school music room—it was on a lunch break.

Before he was a master of CAD/CAM and CNC machining at V. Richelieu, Toby worked in architecture. His office happened to be right across the hall from the very first V. Richelieu shop. He would drop in, drawn by the smell of wood and the quiet focus of the luthiers.

For many young musicians, the transition from one instrument to another is a tentative experiment. But for Zoey Pilling, a talented multi-instrumentalist, and her mother Jennifer Pilling, that experiment turned into a profound musical connection—all thanks to a 13-inch instrument that travelled halfway across the country from Vermont to Utah.

Some dreams don't expire. They simply wait — patient and persistent — on a wall, inside a case, through four decades of careers and obligations and carefully deferred intentions. For Daniel, that dream wore the shape of a fiddle he had purchased 25 years before he ever truly learned to play it.

Dylan Kole has been making bows for eighteen months. In that time, he's built something that experienced musicians can't tell apart from Pernambuco — out of a sustainable wood most of them have never heard of. Here's his story, and why this bow might be exactly what you've been waiting for.

From reluctant beginner to Frost School of Music Presidential Music Scholar—Coco shares her journey as a violinist and the V. Richelieu instrument that helped her fully step into her sound.

When seven-year-old Camille expressed interest in learning a string instrument, her mother Ginger faced a decision familiar to many parents: how do you support a child's musical dreams— how to choose and invest in an instrument they might outgrow in two years?

Kara Sova is a remarkably versatile and accomplished young violinist whose musical journey is rapidly accelerating. From placing as a finalist in regional competitions to preparing for a tour in France, Kara is the definition of a modern, multi-genre musician.

It never stops bringing joy to open up your case and behold the violin within. Nestled snugly in its form-fit holder, resting safely on the padded suspension pillows, your new violin is ready for you to play. Your case will keep your violin safe, but you have to use it correctly to maximize the safety features. When you are not playing your instrument and it is resting within its case, it is fairly safe from damage, but even within a strong case, things can happen. Here are some tips for keeping your instrument safe all the time.

With a profound passion for music, Mr. Glee (a name his second-grade students, now high school seniors, coined for its musicality) is a distinguished figure in violin and viola education. He uniquely understands the body's harmony with the instrument through studies with acclaimed mentors, including a disciple of the influential D.C. Dounis technique. A founding member of the New England Youth Ensemble, he performed internationally for a decade and now inspires students in the Upper Valley, specializing in tonal and vibrato development across all string ensemble levels, and conducts MUSE (Mosaic Union String Ensemble).

Step inside the vibrant world of early string education as we sit down with Kristina Turner, a seasoned Suzuki violin and viola teacher. Discover practical wisdom for joyful first experiences and building strong musical foundations. We hope that you will find inspiration from Kris in your search for a teacher for your child.

Senior violinist and soloist Lisa Zhou-Hackett discusses the crucial role of finding a consistently reliable instrument, like her V. Richelieu violin, in her growth from a young player to an accomplished artist prepared to open the Vermont Youth Orchestra Association's season.

There is a rare connection between a player and her instrument, and this connection is rarely stronger than with our “poster child” Elizabeth Messier. You’ve seen her face on our website, our promotional materials and even on the cover of this journal. We sat down with her to to talk about her story, from her first notes on the viola to her aspirations for a career in music, and her special connection to our V. RichelieuTM instruments.

Ever felt like your viola is fighting you, not flowing with you? You're not alone. The secret to unlocking your instrument's full potential—and your own—lies in the perfect fit. Forget 'one-size-fits-all'; violas, with their rich, varied tones, demand a tailored approach. This isn't just about arm length; it's about finding that sweet spot where comfort meets capability, where your body and your instrument become one. Dive into our comprehensive guide, and let's discover the viola size that will transform your playing from a struggle to a symphony.

The viola, often relegated to the shadows of its violin brethren, deserves its moment in the spotlight. This instrument, with its rich, warm tones and unique alto voice, offers a depth of musical expression found nowhere else. From its historical evolution to its distinct construction, the viola stands as a testament to the beauty of individuality in the world of strings. This piece celebrates the viola's unique qualities and advocates for its rightful recognition.

HOW TO SIZE YOUR CHILD FOR AN INSTRUMENT

Whether you choose to rent or to purchase a violin, viola, cello or bass for your student, our program provides the flexibility you need to support your student’s playing.

When to rent: