Ryan Fini

From his workshop in the heart of downtown Baltimore, Ryan Fini handcrafts concert violins, violas, and cellos of exceptional tone and uncompromising quality. A violinist from an early age, he came to instrument making through a lifelong devotion to music — one that deepened during his college studies and found its fullest expression when he first encountered the craft of lutherie. Ryan completed his formal training at the distinguished violin making program of the North Bennet Street School in Boston, studying under master violin maker Roman Barnas. He graduated with two of the school’s highest honors: the Award for Distinguished Craftsmanship and the interdepartmental DMT Award for Excellence in Craftsmanship. He then joined David Brewer Fine Violins, where he worked as a restorer and instrument technician while continuing to make violins of his own. Surrounded daily by an exceptional collection of historic instruments, he spent years carefully studying works of the greatest classic Italian masters. Ryan established his own workshop in 2016, first in Albuquerque, New Mexico, before relocating to Baltimore in 2019 where he and his brother Aaron founded R&A Fini Fine Violins and Bows — a shared studio where the traditions of instrument making and bow making are pursued with equal commitment and care. Ryan’s instruments can be found in the hands of top professionals in major orchestras and conservatories across the country.