Violin Making School of America Appoints New Director

Luthier Sanghoon Lee will succeed Charles Woolf as the organization's owner, director, and head instructor

The Violin Making School of America (VMSA) recently appointed Sanghoon Lee as its new owner and director. In addition, Lee will take over the role of Head Instructor. In all three positions, he succeeds Charles Woolf — who has been at the helm of VMSA since 1991 and is now retiring.

Sanghoon Lee graduated from the VMSA in 2004 and followed his studies with a period spent working in restoration at the Peter Prier violin shop. He has received a number of honors for his work, including the Silver Medal for Violin Tone at the Violin Society of America competition in 2010.

Founded by Peter Paul Prier in 1972, the VMSA is based in Salt Lake City, Utah. 168 luthiers have graduated from the school, including prominent violinmakers such as 2014 Violin Society of America Competition gold medalist Jeff Phillips.

"Congratulations to the new owner, Director, and Head Instructor of the Violin Making School of America, Sanghoon Lee!" the school wrote. "We are excited for this new chapter in the history of VMSA."

"In a small ceremony at the school, previous owner Charles Woolf presented Sanghoon with a symbolic VMSA apron, passing along with it all of the knowledge and successes he has built at the school over his many years as Owner and Head Instructor."

"We would like to congratulate Charles Woolf on his retirement, and for all he has contributed to the world of violin making."