About The Luthier

“I want to be a violin-maker”….. perhaps an odd career choice for a child.  I always enjoyed sketching, woodworking, music, painting and various crafts; these first passions became latent as I later pursued various science courses at the University of Alberta, ultimately achieving a degree in nursing. Much later, in a candid conversation with my husband regarding life goals, my dream of being a luthier was discussed. “Why not?” was his question. Thus, I set off across the country from British Columbia to Salt Lake City where I began attending the prestigious Violin Making School of America. At this point, my earlier artistic proclivities combined with my background in science to become assets in the challenge of creating masterpieces of sound and beauty.

After spending three years working in a full repair and restoration shop in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, I am now back in my hometown of Cranbrook, BC and am excited to have the opportunity to serve musicians in the area.  I will offer services of restoration, repair and maintenance and products of new violins, violas and cellos to a high standard of beauty and function.  My handcrafted instruments are built with a close eye to detail and inspired by makers of 300 years ago; my goal is to combine old style construction with the demands of modern music and present day players.    

- Pauline Dawson (née Kotlarz)

• Member of The Violin Society of America

• Member of The Violin Makers Association of British Columbia