Striking AUSTIN’S VIOLIN SHOP CELEBRATES 40 YEARS OF BRINGING INSTRUMENTS AND MUSIC EDUCATION TO THE COMMUNITY By Louise Treeny Photos provided
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he shop began with a musically inclined husbandwife duo: Patricia, a Suzuki violin teacher, and her husband, Dana, a 1980 graduate of the Chicago School of Violin Making. Now, Austin’s Violin Shop is celebrating 40 years as a beloved hub for all things related to string instruments: restorations, repairs, sales, appraisals, rentals, music and more. Located in Sugar Grove, the shop also serves as the rental base for a wide network of school districts and customers from Chicago to Rockford to Danville. Patricia Austin, owner, says the 40th year is a “special year for us.” As the shop has grown and continued to serve the community, her children have become involved, too: Her daughter Honna is a string teacher for the violin, viola, cello and bass. Two of Austin’s sons, Taylor and Garrett, serve as the representatives for the schools. Daughter Holly, who graduated and works at the store now, and son Trevor,
who currently attends school there, have both spent time at their late father's alma mater, the Chicago School of Violin Making. In addition to the family’s involvement, the store features the instruments of Yongjin Gho and Kyunghee Lee. Both are luthiers, or makers of string instruments. If you’re interested in purchasing an instrument or bow, the shop allows clients to take them home for a one- or two-week trial period before making a decision — then follows up with a year of free servicing for the instrument. Meetings for instrument purchases are available by appointment. If you’re interested in trying an instrument, “Never hesitate to give it a whirl,” says Austin, who’s proud that the shop has been able to weather struggles and continue to succeed. She says the shop “maintains a high level of integrity and concern for our customers,” crediting the shop’s longtime employees and adding their customers’ best interest are always foremost.
Another aspect of serving school districts is a continuous effort to build up the arts. Austin’s Violin Shop has partnered with Fox Valley El Sistema, a Fox Valley Orchestra program that provides instruments and musical education to children regardless of their ability to afford it, Austin says. Austin’s Violin Shop supports the program by providing some instruments and servicing the repairs. “We’re trying to address the musical needs of our communities,” Austin says. If reading this has struck a chord in you to try an instrument, Austin would encourage you to follow that idea and give it a shot. “String instruments are for all ages,” she says. “Music is so good for the brain.” AUSTIN’S VIOLIN SHOP 316 Wheeler Road, Sugar Grove 630-466-7562 www.austinsviolinshop.com
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