About
The Metzler Violin Shop Story
Meet the team
Thomas Metzler President/Founder
Tom gives each customer his full attention in his unhurried, soft spoken style. In 1972, while a violin major at the University of Iowa, Tom decided to pursue his dream of being a violin maker. He headed for Mittenwald, Germany where he studied German until an opening became available at the Bavarian State Trade School for Violin Making, from which he received a degree in 1976.
After a three-year apprenticeship with Hans Weisshaar, Tom Metzler and David Rivinus opened a small shop in a second-floor walk-up in Glendale, California. In 1983 they moved the shop to its present location, and David Rivinus left the business shortly after to concentrate on instrument making.
TERU (he/him) Senior Violin Repair and Restoration
Originally from Osaka, Japan, Teru came to the U.S. in 1988 to study violin making at the Chicago Violin Making School. After graduating in 1992, Teru came to work for the Metzler Violin Shop. He has over 30 years experience in restoration and repair and has earned a local reputation for his tremendous skill in varnish retouching.
EMILY (she/her) Shop Manager
Emily is an Australian native who moved to New Zealand when she was 7. After receiving an offer to pursue her Masters in Classical Performance (Voice) from UCLA in 2015 she moved to Los Angeles, and has been here ever since. She loves to coordinate shop events, such as our successful American Makers Exhibition.
WESLEY (he/him) Violin Repair and Restoration
A graduate of UC Davis, Wesley is a talented violinist, aspiring violin maker, and a wonderful father of two adorable and rambunctious boys.
Julia (she/her) Sales Associate
Julia is a second-generation member of the violin shop team, proudly following in her father, Tom's, footsteps. A classically trained opera singer and violinist, she holds a Master of Music in Opera from UCLA and a Bachelor of Music from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. When she's not assisting with sales and customer service here at the shop, she sings with the L.A. Master Chorale and the L.A. Opera chorus, and on numerous film and television scores.
Shawn (he/him) Bow Repair and Restoration
Here to take care of all of your bow needs, Shawn is also an accomplished violinist! For the fastest service, please make an appointment in advance for your bow work. Available days for bow rehair and repair work are Tuesday - Saturday.
Anthony (he/him) Sales Associate - Cello Specialist
Anthony graduated from the University of Redlands in the Spring of 2021 with a Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance. While attending the University of Redlands, he studied with Kyle Champion. He attended the Brevard Music Center Summer Institute and Festival in 2018 and 2019, studying under Alistair MacRae. Anthony has a passion for teaching cello and spreading the love of music. Currently, he teaches students of all levels in his private studio, and is the Strings Coach at both Granada Hills Charter High School and Robert Frost Middle School.
Emma Antonides (she/her) - Sales Associate - Viola Specialist
Hailing from Los Angeles, Emma Antonides is a violist with an MM in Viola Performance from the USC Thornton School of Music and a BM in Music Performance from the Eastman School of Music. She performs throughout the Los Angeles area and has worked with artists and ensembles including Kamasi Washington and the Bang on a Can All-Stars, while also holding a section position with the Billings Symphony in Montana.
Diana (she/her) - Writer and Sales Associate
A classical violinist earlier in her life, Diana is now a poet, writer, and translator, earning her PhD in Literature & Creative Writing at USC. While at the shop, when not helping patrons, Diana researches and writes about the luthiers of our inventory’s instruments as well as the qualities that make those instruments special for our website. Check out her blog posts, which highlight some of the more compelling stories she has encountered in her research!"
Nico (they/them) Sales and Marketing - Violin Specialist (currently out on leave)
Nico is a classically-trained violinist, but recently switched to playing fiddle in a bluegrass band. They received their BM in Violin Performance from Chapman University.