Ryan Soltis

After graduating from the Violin Making School of America in 2000 I went to work in the
studio of David Folland, in my home state of Minnesota for two years. There, I was shown
tool skills of the highest level. I continue to hold myself up against excellent standards of
workmanship, which I strive to reproduce in each instrument no matter how painful. I take
as much time as I need to do the very best that is possible. Speed comes from doing a
good job many times over.

I have traveled to Germany and through Europe in search of the finest sources of wood. I
make my own varnish and my own color. All of this is very time consuming but the reward
is confidence in controlling the quality and the unique personality of the instrument.

I moved to Salt Lake City, Utah in 2002 where I had the opportunity to share studio space
with Gary Vessel, and collaborate with other makers. I fully support and encourage
constructive discussion among makers, which is why I attended the prestigious Oberlin
Violin Making Workshops in 2003 and 2004. At Oberlin many seminal makers gather to
teach techniques and collaborate on innovative ideas. This is a fantastic forum for makers
and raises the overall level of excellence in the field.

While at Oberlin I was fortunate to meet Samuel Zygmuntowicz who has over the past few
years become my inspiration and mentor. Through my experiences at his studio I have
learned many wonderful techniques and gained a finer understanding of how to make a
violin that even the most demanding player will appreciate.

Ryal Soltis has twice won awards in the prestigious Violin Society of America competition:

VSA Competition 2004: Workmanship award (cello)
VSA Competition 2006: Tone award (violin)

Photo: Alisha Newbold

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-Ryan Soltis, 2007