"I find that it is of the utmost importance that
instruments are set up properly and comfortably for the
player whether he/she is a beginner or a professional.
The instrument itself shouldn't get in the way of the
ability to express the music. An instrument is a vehicle
for the soul."~Sonja St. John
Meet the Maker
With the desire to generate
instruments of her own,  and also
being a musician, Sonja has found
her true calling as a violin maker.
Bio:

Her lifelong affinity with the violin began at
a young age of 8.  In the enchanted
historical home of a childhood friend, an
exquisite antique child's fiddle charmed her
heart.
She took to this instrument without delay,
and learned and continued to study and
play.

It was the same thrill and attraction to the
exploring and preservation of history, love
of the instrument, combined with passion
for music of the world, that led Sonja into
repair work specifically for violin family
instruments.

At age 15, she began working as a
technician in a shop each night after
school, weekends & summers focusing on
basic Set-Up and repair of Violins, Violas,
Cello and Bass.

Her training progressed full steam into
apprenticeships and observations with
master makers.

Professional Training in Repair, Restoration
work and Making of Violins, Violas and
Cellos was taken to Chicago,

where she became a graduate of
The Chicago School of Violin making, a
three year, year round, full-time,  intensive
program.

Sonja St. John was employed as a Luthier
with the violin firm Seman Violins from
February 2004 - May 2008.  

Sonja St. John Violins opened shop at the
Altus, Oklahoma location during the
Summer of 2008 specializing in Repair, &
Making of Violin family instruments,
serving local Universities, Music Programs,
Professional and student Musicians alike.

The New Shop Location to The
Charlston, SC Tri-county area is
welcomed in 2011!
Who, What, & Where

* Preceding Studies with masters:

alphabetically listed

Carl F.Becker,

Rebecca Elliott,

Lynn Hannings,

Hans J. Nebel,

George Rubino,

Peter R.Seman,

Fredric S.Thompson,...

and more
* Graduate of the Chicago School
of Violin Making

www.csvm.org