I first came to Utah in 1987 to attend the Violin Making School of America. I graduated in 1983, then taught at the school for four years before opening a shop near Liberty Park in 1988.
What services does your shop provide, and is there an area that you specialize in?
I focus on new making of violins, violas and cellos. Mainly violas and cellos. I am also available for repair work.
What do you love about the viola,anddo you have a particular sound or concept that you are aiming for when you make violas?
I grew up studying the violin but started playing the viola in college and loved its deep, rich sound. When I started making violas here in Utah I built a number of them for David Dalton’s students at BYU. I learned a lot from those instruments and from following the players through the years. What I focus on is building an instrument that is even across the register, speaks quickly, has a wide dynamic range, and colour to the voicing. Can you play pianissimo and still have clarity and be heard? A viola that is just loud, without colour to its voicing, is boring to me. A viola that can stand up to chamber music work must have character!
Are your violas influenced by particular historical models?
I want the instrument to be easy to play – I use an Amati pattern because I like the sloped shoulders, which makes higher position work easier.
Do you play music yourself, and do you have hobbies or interests away from music and instruments?
I Currently I play violin in the Salt Lake Symphony. Outside of my work I love hiking and mountain biking, and I just returned from Canada where I got to do both at Whistler Mountain!
Looking forward in seeing everyone at Viola Day !!
Carrie has recently finished two new violas and will be starting a large viola soon. This beauty will be available to try at Viola Day!
