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.

Eleven Master luthiers, including Fabienne Gauchet and Gay Harrison, recently collaborated to create a stunning copy of a 1628 Nicola Amati violin. This project, organized by the Forum des Fabricants, was made possible in part by Vermont Violins, who generously donated ebony alternative fittings. The finished violin, played by Edwin Huizinga at the 2024 Sweetwater Music Festival, is now attracting interest from potential buyers.

The International Alliance for Violin and Bow Makers for Endangered Species (the “Alliance-USA”) has invited Vermont Violins’ owner and founder, Kathy Reilly, to join their management board. The Alliance-USA is a non-for-profit international organization dedicated to support policies, projects and rules that conserve precious natural resources used in the violin-making trade for the future.

This one-of-a-kind V. Richelieu violin was generously donated by Vermont Violins and signed by classical music legend and renowned violinist, Itzhak Perlman, who graced The Flynn with his music and artistry in late March, 2022.