Peter Paul Prier
Peter Prier was born in Germany, and began playing the violin at the age of seven. Following his love of the instrument, he entered the Violin Making School of Bavaria in Mittenwald, and graduated in 1960. Peter received training from Alouis Hornsteiner, Paul Secondorf, Leo Aschauer, and varnish master Furs. He worked in Walter Hamma's shop in Stuttgart in 1960.
Peter immigrated to the United States the next year and moved to Salt Lake City, Utah to work under Ludwig Aschauer at the Pearce Music Company. He played in the Utah Symphony from 1961 til 1964, ending his full time participation when he was drafted into the military. After his service he returned to the symphony for seven concert engagements, performing and also caring for the instruments and the needs of the string sections.
Peter Prier and Sons Violins was opened in 1965, followed by the Violin Making School of America in 1972, and the Bow Making School of America in 1998. In 2004, Peter Prier opened the Salt Lake City Recital Hall to give up-and-coming musicians an affordable venue with good acoustics.
Peter Paul Prier and Sons does the finest work in the Intermountain West, and can fix any bow or instrument, from the plainest student violin to the finest solo instrument. The shop works on Italian instruments by such makers as Balistreri, Ruggeri, Landolphi, Pressenda, Bergonzi, Andreas Guarneri, Guarneri Del Gesu, and Antonio Stradivari. Working alongside such incredible violins, Peter Prier has constructed 154 violins, 17 violas, 29 cellos, and 2 basses. There are a few guitars in ecstatic players' hands. He is a member of the Entente International des Maitres Luthiers et Archetiers D'art, as well as the Verband Deutscher Geigenbauer.
Peter Prier is a founding member of both the Violin Society of America and the American Federation of Violin and Bow Makers. He has given several lectures on different subjects to the members of these organizations. He has made instruments for several famous musicians, including Daniel Heifetz, Joseph Silverstein, and Yehudi Menuhin, as well as Ted Ashton, Monte Belknap, and Percy Kalt.
This year will show the addition of a 23 DVD production on violin making to his short documentary, The Sounding Tree.
Custom made instruments available.
Daniel S. Prier
Making violins in the style of the old masters is my passion. Being introduced to the world of violins at a young age, I have been able to learn and hear the tone and quality of the world’s best instruments. At 12 I started my first violin with my father. At 19 I enrolled at the Violin Making School of America and wanting to learn more, at 24 I moved to Chicago in order to attend the Chicago School of Violin Making. At 26 I had the chance to work with Carl F. Becker. Now in my 30’s, I’ve moved back home to be closer to my family and the beautiful mountains of Salt Lake, hoping to serve the musicians in the intermountain west and to try to achieve the standards of the old masters.
THE FRIENDLY STAFF OF PETER PRIER & SONS
OWNER - Peter Prier
Peter Prier opened his violin shop in 1965. He has hand selected a team of highly trained individuals who work well with him and with our customers. Peter’s expertise in the fields of violin making and the study of fine violins has maintained the credibility and professionalism we strive for these forty plus years.
SALES, REPAIRS & RESTORATION - Daniel Prier
Daniel Prier is the youngest son of Peter Prier and began making violins when he was only twelve years old. Dan brings an experienced eye that he has developed by learning from his father, his schooling, and his work with the Becker’s in Chicago. Dan’s friendly attitude and quick mind make it easy for him to translate to customers and colleagues his knowledge about technique and craft.
SALES / OFFICE MANAGER - Callie Reed
Callie Reed joined the violin shop team in August of 2008. She loves to play the violin and has even made two of her own. Callie contributes to our sales from a musician’s standpoint and always wants to help the customer end up with an instrument they love. In the office she is in charge of our books and finances and brings her experience and eye for detail to the job.