Currently we have two people doing the bulk of the repair work: Erika K. Sayar and Mary Ann Connolly-Smus. A born-and-raised musician, Erika is well-versed in the needs of musicians. Among her more notable achievements as a pianist, Erika has performed in the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia for Steinway's 150th Anniversary celebration, she has won High Honors and the Gold level in competitions for Golden Key Music & Art Festival as well as for the NJMTA, earning her performances in Carnegie Hall, the Kimmel Center, and Rider University. She received her Bachelor of Music Degree in 2005 from The College of New Jersey in Music Education for piano and cello, and is currently taking violin lessons as well.
As a luthier, Erika worked for her father, Karl Safran of Safran Strings, Inc., for about 9 years doing minor instrument repairs and set-ups before taking over the shop in January 2005. Erika went on to complete the prestigious three year Violin Making and Restoration program, taught by Roman Barnas, at the North Bennet Street School in Boston, MA in 2009. There she built 6 violins, 1 viola, and 1 cello and learned more extensive restoration work. She also has participated in several violin repair workshops led by Hans J. Nebel at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and in classes led by Horst Kloss at the University of New Hampshire. Erika and her third violin have been seen in PBS's documentary "Craft in America". She has also appeared in the Asbury Park Press and was recently featured in "In Jersey" magazine. Look for her in an upcoming episode of "Career Corner" on local cable!
Mary Ann has been with the shop since December of 2005 and learned her skills from courses taught by the highly regarded restorer, Hans J. Nebel. Also a violin teacher, Mary Ann is also well versed in the needs of musicians.
We offer a full line of repairs and will give free estimates at any time.
The art of repairing and restoring instruments is a very delicate process and it is very important for anyone working on them to be skillful and educated in the work.
