Peter Paul Prier
Violin Maker
Rare · Curated · Timeless
For generations, Peter Prier and Sons has stood as a trusted name in the world of fine string instruments. Founded on the principles of craftsmanship, integrity, and musical artistry, our shop brings together expertise that spans both tradition and innovation. Musicians of all levels, from young students to seasoned professionals, visit us in search of instruments that elevate their playing and reflect their unique sound.
Our Instruments
Our curated collection includes rare and contemporary works from distinguished violin and bow makers around the world, along with historic pieces that carry remarkable stories. We also feature instruments crafted by graduates of the renowned Violin Making School of America, founded by Peter Paul Prier. Each instrument is professionally set up in our workshop to deliver optimal tone, balance, and playability. Whether you are seeking an inspiring student instrument or a concert stage ready violin, our selection is chosen with care and intention.
Archetiers
We are proud to offer an exceptional range of bows that match the quality of our instruments. This includes rare bows from traditional archetiers as well as the complete line of JonPaul Bows and Archet Bows, crafted next door by Jon Hatch and Paul Prier. Known for their advanced carbon composite materials, precise balance, and expressive response, JonPaul bows are played by musicians around the globe who rely on consistency and refined sound.
Our Philosophy
At the heart of our work is a commitment to serving each musician with honesty and expertise. We believe that selecting an instrument or bow should be an experience grounded in trust, personal guidance, and a genuine understanding of your goals as a player. From the smallest repair to the placement of a rare investment grade violin, every step is handled with exceptional care. At Peter Prier and Sons, every instrument, bow, and relationship is treated with the respect it deserves. This dedication is what continues to guide our work today.
Team
We take great pride in our highly trained professionals who share a philosophy of respect for instruments and musicians.
Paul S. Prier
Owner
Jon Hatch
Owner
Chris Johnson
Owner
Mary Otterstrom
General Manager / Client Relations
Aaron Goll
Master Luthiers
Andrew Stolfa
Master Luthiers
Peter Paul Hermann Prier was born in Neumarkt, Schlesien, in 1942. His musical training began at an early age, studying violin with his grandfather and performing locally. At age thirteen, his talent allowed him entrance with scholarship to the Youth Music Conservatory.
Shortly after beginning at the Conservatory, Mr. Prier heard of The State Violin Making School of Bavaria and changed career directions that same year. During his studies at the Violin Making School from 1955 to 1960, he trained with A. Hornsteiner, Paul Seckendorf, and Leo Aschauer.
The son of Leo Aschauer, Ludwig, worked for Pearce Music Company, in Salt Lake City. This contact helped Mr. Prier immigrate to the United States in 1960, where he continued his training for five more years before opening his own shop in downtown Salt Lake City. Shortly after his arrival to Utah, Maurice Abravanel invited him to join the Utah Symphony.
Shortly after Peter arrived in Salt Lake City, he met Madeline Kay Stewart, who would become the love of his life. Kay, a gifted pianist, and Peter, an accomplished violinist, bonded through their mutual passion for music and quickly became a lifelong duo. In 1965, Peter married his sweetheart of four years. As they built their future together, family and friends would often hear Peter and Kay playing duets, their affection and love evident in every note.
In 1968 Mr. Prier was approached with the idea of starting a violin making school and in 1972, on the second floor of Prier Music Co. at 308 East 200 South, the first class was held of the Violin Making School of America. Four years later, a proud group of graduates, Chris de Groot, Kevin Smith, and William Woolf, received their diplomas. In that year, interest in the school exploded with over 400 inquiries.
The school grew in size, moving to an adjacent two-story building in 1976 and increasing the student body to 25 persons with a two-year waiting list. Over the years the graduates have made their distinctive mark in the violin world. In over 15 of the past international violin-making competitions, graduates from the Violin Making School of America have won the gold, silver, or both medals in each category. The School continues today as the standard of excellence in the industry as well as the only private violin making school in the world.
Through the years, Mr. Prier’s expertise and knowledge was sought after around the world. Along with his professional certifications and appraisals, the finest players in the world sought out his personal attention to the adjusting and repairing of their instruments. He was asked to judge the 1988 International Trienale Competition in Cremona, Italy. He also judged the Violin Society of America International Competition on three different occasions. Mr. Prier has also authored many lectures and essays on various aspects of instruments and the making thereof.
Mr. Prier continued to expand other limits in the violin world as well. He was actively involved in improving bows for players of all skill levels, developing a new generation of carbon-composite bows, and was a founding member of JonPaul Bows. Mr. Prier completed over 200 instruments. During his lifetime, Peter Prier’s expertise in the violin world has significantly raised the standard of stringed music in Utah, the U.S., and around the world.
The family craft continued with Mr. Prier’s children. All of his six children have worked with him in the business. His son Paul, his son-in-law Jon as well as their friend Chris are now the owners of the next chapter company, Prier Violins LLC.
