History      

Ryan graduated from the Violin Making School of America in 2000. Post graduaton he went to work in the violin making studio of David Folland in his home state of Minnesota. In 2002 Ryan set up shop in Salt Lake City where he resided for six years. At the 2004 Violin Society of America sponsored Oberlin workshop, Ryan was fortunate to meet renowned maker, Samuel Zygmuntowicz. Through his ongoing collaboration with Zygmuntowicz as his primary mentor and inspiration, Ryan feels fortunate to have developed a finer understanding of how to make instruments that balance clarity and tone.

Ryan strives to hold himself up against excellent standards of workmanship. He was accepted as a member of the American Federation of Violin and Bow Makers (AFVBM) in August 2010.

Ryan's new studio is located in his home in picturesque Northern Idaho which he has been building over the last three years. To see a photo journal of the builing process click here.

Materials

Ryan has traveled to Germany in search of the finest sources of wood from Eastern Europe.  European Maple is valued for it's inherent strength, lightness and beauty. The spruce used in the tops comes from Europe and North America. Ryan occasionally harvests his own spruce in and around north western Montana. Other spruce is supplied by Mountain Voice Soundwoods from British Columbia.

Ryan makes his own varnish and color. All of this is very time consuming but the reward is confidence in controlling the quality and the unique personality of the instrument. 

Awards

   ...from the Violin Society of America

Certificate of Merit for Tone, Violin,  2006

Certificate of Merit for Workmanship, Cello, 2004