About Kevin Cardiff
Education:
Bachelor of Music in Violin With Distinction, Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester, 1977
Performer’s Certificate in Violin, Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester, 1977
Teaching Assistant to Professor Syoko Aki, Yale University, 1978-79
Master of Music, Yale University, 1979
Two summers of study with Hans Nebel, Violin Craftsmanship Institute, University of New Hampshire, 1986-87
Private instruction in violinmaking and restoration with Michael Weller, (former chief repairman, William Moennig & Son) 1987-92
Professional Experience:
Violinist in Rochester Philharmonic under David Zinman, 1975-77
Violinist in New Haven Symphony under Murry Sidlin, 1977-79
Violinist in Chautauqua (NY) Symphony, summers of 1977-78
Awards and Accomplishments:
Best Custom Made Violins, Baltimore Magazine, 1993
Bachelor of Music in Violin With Distinction, Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester, 1977
Performer’s Certificate in Violin, Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester, 1977
Teaching Assistant to Professor Syoko Aki, Yale University, 1978-79
Master of Music, Yale University, 1979
Two summers of study with Hans Nebel, Violin Craftsmanship Institute, University of New Hampshire, 1986-87
Private instruction in violinmaking and restoration with Michael Weller, (former chief repairman, William Moennig & Son) 1987-92
Professional Experience:
Violinist in Rochester Philharmonic under David Zinman, 1975-77
Violinist in New Haven Symphony under Murry Sidlin, 1977-79
Violinist in Chautauqua (NY) Symphony, summers of 1977-78
- Assistant Principal Second Violin, Baltimore Symphony under Sergiu Comissiona and David Zinman 1979-91
- Owner and Proprietor, Kevin Cardiff, Violinmaker 1987-present
Awards and Accomplishments:
Best Custom Made Violins, Baltimore Magazine, 1993
- Best String Repair Shop, Baltimore Magazine, 2003
- One of twelve professionals featured in the book “Working in Music” by Barbara Lee. (Lerner Publications Company 1996)
- Repaired the “ex Kosman” G.B. Guadagnini violin immediately prior to its setting a world record auction price at Christie’s, London, 1993
- Appraisal, restoration and repair of the Peabody Institute Stringed Instrument Collection, 1991-2008
- Featured in:
- Youtube video “Las Vegas Violinmaker” by Las Vegas Review-Journal videographer Michael Quine, May 2009
- Las Vegas Sun article: “Kevin Cardiff, Violin Maker, Repairman and Restorer” by Kristen Peterson, July 2009
- “The Art of Sound” violin show at A. Cavallo Violins, Omaha, NE, March
- 2010. Presented a lecture on the role of modeling as a function of sound - First instrument sold in show.
- Appeared as guest expert on the History Channel TV Series “Pawn Stars” in 2011
- Interviewer of prospective Yale students for the Association of Yale Alumni, 2013-present.