Luthiers & Educators

John Delmonico

John’s career as a luthier began somewhat accidentally. He walked into a violin shop intending to buy a cello and walked out with a job instead. What began as a fascination with bench work developed into a career devoted to stringed instruments and the musicians who play them.

John specializes in cello setup and sound adjustment, while his bench work also includes instrument repair, maintenance, and bow rehairing. As both a luthier and cellist, he brings a player’s perspective to the bench, with a particular interest in helping musicians improve the response, playability, and sound of their instruments. He is also closely involved in selecting and setting up the shop’s collection of instruments and bows for students, advancing players, and professionals.

Outside the shop, John remains an active performer and educator in the Rochester community. He is a faculty member at the Hochstein School of Music & Dance, where he directs an adult cello ensemble, and is a founding member of the Delmonico String Quartet and Center Stage Pops. As a cellist, he has performed with artists including Josh Groban, Danielle Ponder, and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

For John, performing, teaching, and working at the bench continually inform one another, each providing a better understanding of what musicians need from their instruments.