Biography
“The role of the violin-maker is to help musicians in their quest for the perfect sound.”
Michel Gagnon developed an interest in violin-making at around eighteen years old, after having
completed a college degree in pure and applied sciences. Finding this trade to be the perfect
fit for his scientific curiosity and love of music, he takes his first steps in the field by starting an
apprenticeship under Viateur Mayer in Joliette, Quebec.
In 1984, he leaves to perfect his
knowledge in Boston,
Massachusetts,at the North Bennet Street School, completing a three-year
program in violin-making and restoration. During his time there, he sells his first violin,
labeled NBSS School of Boston, to the department of music of UQAM university, in 1985. After
obtaining his diploma with distinction, he worked as a violin-maker with the award-winning Raymond
Melanson in Massachusetts for three years, before establishing his workshop in Montreal in 1992.
In 1993, Michel wins a scholarship from the Quebec Arts Council for “acoustic mentoring”
under René Morel, in New York, one of the world’s most renowned violin-makers and sound adjusters of
fine and collectible instruments.
Since then, he has continued to develop and perfect his
trade, creating instruments that reflect his quest for the perfect tone and a beautiful finish.