Matthew is a restorer and instrument builder, and part owner of Grand Rapids Violins, LLC. As a string musician, he understands the unique requirements of his clientele and enjoys the process of finding and then meeting their needs. He has extensive background in the music industry, first as a player and then as a luthier. He received a Bachelor’s of Music from Grand Valley State University and a Master’s of Music in bass performance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. He also has a degree in luthiery from the Violin Making School of America in Salt Lake City.

Matthew spent a number of years working for Jerry Pasewicz in Raleigh, North Carolina. At the Pasewicz shop he carried out a wide variety of advanced restorations. He also spent a great deal of time working on sound adjustments with Jerry, who received his education in the workshop of René Morel of New York. Matthew also had the honor of serving a bow-making apprenticeship with Jerry. Even though he now lives in Grand Rapids, Matthew still keeps a working relationship with the Pasewicz shop, and has been writing articles on workshop procedure for their website.

In recent years, Matthew has garnered a reputation for exacting work and high standards among his clientele and colleagues. He is constantly striving for excellence in his craft and continues to work closely with colleagues across the globe, through organizations such as the Violin Society of America and the Oberlin Violin Making and Restoration Workshops. As such, he is familiar with the most current techniques of the business. Having focused more on cello in recent years, Matthew now considers himself mostly a cellist, and he also plays piano, organ, and violin. When not in the shop, he enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter.

Grand Rapids Violins