My name is Mike Burns. After many years of working in a violin shop in Tacoma, I opened my own in hopes of bringing my knowledge and love of music to others. My wife, Enterprise native Robyn Burns and I have moved back to Wallowa County to help carry on the musical traditions started here so many years ago.

 

My discovery of learning to play the fiddle was a stepping stone to finding my true career calling of being a luthier. I wanted more than just to play, but to truly appreciate its form and structure and understand the inner workings of the instrument. Working with my hands and utilizing other artistic and skilled talents of mine seemed like a natural fit. I sought help from an amateur builder who helped me how to restore one of my beloved fiddles, but ultimately I knew I needed a more structured approach. And so I bundled up and headed to Minnesota to attend a repair program at Minnesota State College in Red Wing. Since that time, I have worked in a professional shop, attended intensive workshops, restored dozens of quality instruments, and continue to make new instruments. These experiences have prepared me well for nearly every repair and given me a greater depth of knowledge and appreciation for these instruments and I hope to give that to all of my customers who want to take steps towards creating music.