While in Salt Lake City, I was offered a wonderful opportunity to visit with Paul Prier, son of violin maker Peter Prier, who gave me a tour of the shop as we discussed yesterday, today, and the future of Peter Prier & Sons Violins.
Now you might be thinking, “how did this lady from Oklahoma end up in Utah, and just walk in and interview an acclaimed builder?” That is a story in itself.
It all happened through two of my acquaintances, and I was in Utah to photograph their son’s wedding. Those traveling companions were from Salt Lake City originally, and they graciously gave me a tour of the city, two days of which involved Prier’s violins. I was overwhelmed to say the least!
Imagine driving past a one block long mural that traces the history of the violin, turning the corner and seeing 10 students through a window inside who learning the skills of violin making. Right out front, gracing the tiny front lawn, is a bronze statue of Peter Prier.
Entering the shop, instead of a creaky hinge, you hear the perfect pitch of a fine-tuned violin, as the door chime is made of a retired fiddle. I knew I was in the right spot. After introducing myself, I was given a tour of the facilities, and the stories began to unfold about the history of Peter Prier, an unknown name to me until that day.
From an early age, Peter was surrounded by the sounds of classical melodies and folk tunes, courtesy of his parents’ eclectic taste. Growing up in Germany, his first exposure came from listening to records spinning on the turntable, where he absorbed the legacies of legendary composers and performers. Family gatherings often featured impromptu jam sessions, ensuring that Peter developed a deep appreciation for both the harmony of music and the chaos of family life. At the tender age of ten, he stumbled upon a dilapidated violin in his grandmother’s attic—an artifact that sparked a lifelong obsession.
With a bit of polish and a lot of patience, he began experimenting with sound. His early explorations were marked by a strong sense of curiosity and an insatiable desire to create, leading him down a melodious rabbit hole. Peter’s formal education in music began at a local conservatory, where he swiftly made himself known as the kid who played everything from the violin to the kazoo—no instrument was too small! His dedication to honing his craft led him to prestigious institutions, where he studied under esteemed mentors, soaking up wisdom like a sponge. This grounding set the stage for his future endeavors in music making.
Prier developed a passion for music and craftsmanship. With this deeply rooted passion for music, at the age of 13 he attended violin school in Munich, but was forced to drop out as he needed to help support his siblings and his mother. In spite of this, Peter was able to graduate from a violin school closer to home.
While interviewing his son Paul, he shared, “Dad was attending school to be a luthier, when he received a letter offering him a position in the United States, eventually landing in Salt Lake City.” Immigrating to the USA in 1960, Peter brought his dreams and aspirations of making a perfect violin, along with one simple suitcases filled with clothes, and, of course, his violin.
When first arriving in Salt Lake City, he began to seek employment, and before long made himself at home with The Pierce Music Company, while also landing a position with the Utah Symphony, which was all volunteer at the time. Prier brought with him skills mastered under the tutelage of top luthiers in Europe, which he had soaked up like a sponge. This period of rigorous training not only shaped his understanding of sound, but also instilled in him a deep respect for the tradition of violin making.
A mere five years later, Prier founded The Violin Making School of America. Next door sits a small three-story building which draws musicians seeking high-quality, handmade instruments. It’s become a hub for education and community, where musicians can connect, learn, and share their love for string instruments. With a dedicated team of skilled artisans, the shop continues to thrive, creating instruments that reflect Prier’s vision of beauty and sound.
Peter Prier’s impact on contemporary violin making is profound. By merging traditional European techniques with modern practices, he has paved the way for a new generation of luthiers. His emphasis on personalized craftsmanship has inspired many to shift away from mass production and towards more individualized work. As a result, the violin-making community has become richer, with a focus on quality and artistry that echoes Prier’s philosophy.
The apple does’t fall far from the tree in the Prier family. Although not a practicing violinist, Prier’s son, Paul, shared the ins and outs of the bow. JonPaul Bows is located in the same building where Peter Priers established his shop. Paul makes a premier and acclaimed bow, which has been constructed for over 47 years by brothers-in-law Jon Hatch and Paul Priers.
They build their bows merging the traditional French technique with modern technology and years of knowledge. Individually handcrafted and touched by only one of three employees, JonPaul Bows is not only a family project, but one sealed with pride. Look for the JonPaul tree frog on each bow.
These bows are played by some of the greatest, not only in the symphonic world, but across many genres. Recently at the Grand Ole Opry, Jenee Fleenor, five time CMA musician of the year, now touring with George Strait, sawed her way through each tune with a JonPaul bow.
Next time you find yourself in a new town, be sure and ask about their music store. There may just be a similar dream come true to be found.
