Raymond Melanson is one of the best-known makers in the U.S. and has made over 360 violins, violas, and cellos in his almost 45 year career.  In the mid 70’s he studied art and violin performance in college. He began his career as a maker with Arnold Bone and Hans Nebel who encouraged him to enroll at the Violin Making School of America in Salt Lake. After graduation, he stayed in Salt lake to work with Peter Prier doing repairs and restorations. In 1983, he returned to Massachusetts and founded the violin making program at the North Bennett Street School where he taught for four years Over the years he’s received 14 awards and medals at the Violin Society of America competition along with other awards.