Alexander Leyvand
Violin Luthier & President

Precision. Classicism. Tradition. Like the craftsmen of old, Alexander Leyvand creates and restores fine stringed instruments with these words in mind—and it shows. His attention to detail is unmatched. His devotion to the artistry is unequaled. And his passion for the advancement of this unique profession insures endless enjoyment of his masterful work through many senses: see the beauty, hear the perfection, feel the flawless, balanced design.

Alex began creating and restoring stringed instruments in Moscow more than thirty years ago, and now continues his art in the United States. He has also played and toured the world as an accomplished orchestral and chamber music violinist. He is a veteran member of the Violin Society of America as well as the Viola Society of America.

Alex has become internationally known for his work as a luthier. His instruments have received diplomas from numerous competitions in such musical centers as Cremona, Moscow, Prague, and Sofia. Concert artists throughout the world play his handmade violins, violas and cellos.

Dennis Henderson

Dennis Henderson has been professionally making and repairing instruments since 1983. He is a very talented luthier, and a long time family friend, who for the past year has been a great addition to our shop. Dennis graduated from the String Instrument Technology program at the IU School of Music in 1983.

Shara Cutts

Shara joined the team at The Violin Shop of Old Carmel in August 2006.  In addition, she is currently a full-time manager at the Violins 4 U shop in Greenwood.  She went on to major in Music Performance and Music Education at Butler University and graduated in 2002.  Aside from working at the Leyvand’s violin shops, Shara teaches violin lessons and performs in the Philharmonic Orchestra of Indianapolis.

Tae Phojanasupan

Tae has been working at The Violin Shop of Old Carmel since November 2003.  Tae graduated from Carmel High School and is now attending Hanover College to pursue a business career.  As for the musical side of Tae,  he is the concertmaster of the Chamber Orchestra and a member of the Choral Ensemble at Hanover.  Tae was a manager and assistant to our accountant in the summer of 2006.  While he is away at college, Tae is in charge of helping maintain the best of our store’s integrity and quality of services.

Marissa Artman

Marissa has been working at The Violin Shop of Old Carmel since February 2004. At Carmel High School, she was a cellist in the Symphony and Camerata orchestras. Now she attends Indiana University, where she is studying psychology and speech and hearing sciences. Marissa is responsible for publicity, and our quarterly newsletter.

Michelle Sing

Michelle is one of the two newest members of our family! She is currently a senior at Carmel High School, where she plays viola in the Camerata orchestra and is also President and member of the school's Science Olympiad team. Michelle is in charge of sales, rentals, and customer service.

Margaret Musick

Margaret is the other new member of our shop.  She is currently a senior at Carmel High School, where she plays violin in the Camerata and Symphony orchestras.  In addition to playing the violin, Margaret also enjoys singing and has been training in voice for many years.  Margaret is in charge of sales and customer service.

Ann Hostetter