Ryan L Soltis graduated from the Violin Making School of America in 2000.

Post graduation, 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 the 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.

In 2021, after ten years of living and working in northern Idaho, Ryan  moved to Nelson, BC to set up his new workshop in Canada. 

Ryan strives to hold himself up against excellent standards of workmanship.

Accepted as a member of the American Federation of Violin and Bow Makers (AFVBM) in August 2010.

Awards

From the Violin Society of America:

Silver Medal for Tone, Violin, 2018

Certificate of Merit for Workmanship, Violin, 2016

Certificate of Merit for Workmanship, Viola, 2016

Certificate of Merit for Tone, Viola, 2014

Certificate of Merit for Workmanship, Viola, 2014

Certificate of Merit for Workmanship, Violin, 2014

Silver Medal for Workmanship, Violin, 2012

Certificate of Workmanship, Viola, 2012

Certificate of Merit for Tone, Violin, 2006

Certificate of Merit for Workmanship, Cello, 2004