In 1969 I finished a degree in music at the Lawrence Conservatory in Wisconsin and two years later went to an eminent instrument maker's workshop to build a viola da gamba. It turned out to be the perfect mixing of my lifelong woodworking interests and musical skills. I spent a year visiting collections of historical viols, measuring and photographing examples of the 17th and 18th century viol builders, and gathering data from established builders. In 1973 I moved with my family to Iowa and set up my woodworking shop. In the next five years I built 60 viols and decided to expand my repertoire to the violin family. I did a number of workshops with Carleen Hutchins learning her techniques of plate tuning, and studying the great Italian instruments of the 17th-18th century. In 1979 we moved to Blacksburg, Virginia where I have been building violins, violas, cellos and viols (and even a violone). I have spent considerable time over the years studying the historical instruments, measuring and photographing, as well as consulting with established builders on designs, building techniques, and acoustical theory & design. I expand my thinking with other builders at summer workshops, at Oberlin College in Ohio.

707 Harding Ave. Blacksburg, Va. 24060
(540)961-6326
foster.violins@verizon.net