Alex Buktenica began repairing and restoring violins at Bellwood Violins in Ashland, OR, while in high school. At age 17 he traveled to Cremona to study violin making at the International School of Violin Making with Georgio Scolari among others, graduating in 2013. He returned to Southern Oregon and set up his own workshop while continuing to do restorations with Bellwood Violins. Alex returns regularly to Cremona, working with Roberto Cavagnoli and Barbara Piccinotti. Although only in his thirties, his fine instruments are sought after from all over the country.