Today we’d like to introduce you to Okkyum Kim.
Hi Okkyum, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Since I was young, I’ve always loved music — not only playing it, but also listening to it through high-quality audio systems. In 1998, while living in Sydney, Australia, I was introduced by a violinist friend to a violin making workshop. The moment I stepped inside, I was completely fascinated by the art and beauty of instrument making.
At first, I couldn’t find a maker who could teach me, so I began learning on my own. But soon I realized that learning by myself was extremely difficult, so I went to Melbourne to study professionally under master luthier Mario Scida. After that, I returned to my home country, Korea, where I continued my studies with Il Hun Jung, while preparing for further education in Italy.
Eventually, I was accepted into the International Violin Making School in Cremona, where I transferred directly into the third year. My years in Cremona — surrounded by the rich traditions of Stradivari and other great masters — deeply shaped my philosophy as a maker. After completing about four years of training there, I moved to Georgia, USA, to continue my professional journey, and since 2012, I’ve been based in Irvine, California, where I run my own workshop specializing in the making and restoration of violins, violas, and cellos.
My instruments have been recognized internationally, receiving awards from the Violin Society of America, the Cremona Triennale, and the Mexico Triennale for my Viola and violin.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has never been smooth, especially in the beginning. When I first became interested in violin making, I didn’t have anyone to guide me. There were no schools or mentors available nearby, so I had to teach myself through trial and error. Working alone was incredibly challenging — every mistake cost both time and precious materials, but it also taught me patience and persistence.
When I later studied in Italy, I faced new challenges — adapting to a different culture and language, and striving to live up to the high standards of Cremona’s centuries-old violin-making tradition. During those years, I also had to balance both study and work at the same time, which was extremely demanding. There were many days when I slept only three or four hours, but my passion for violin making kept me going.
Even after moving to the United States, building a reputation as a luthier took years of dedication. It’s a profession that demands not only skill, but also emotional and artistic commitment. There were times when things moved slowly, but I never lost my passion. Every challenge has strengthened my belief that true craftsmanship takes a lifetime of learning.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At Okkyum Violin Studio in Irvine, California, I focus on the making and restoration of violins, violas, and cellos. My goal is always the same — to bring out the full potential and soul of each instrument. Every piece of wood has its own personality, and my job as a maker is to understand its character and guide it into harmony and balance.
I work with musicians of all levels, from students to professionals, and I always take time to understand what kind of sound and response they’re looking for. Communication between maker and player is essential — an instrument is not just an object, it’s a living partner in music.
What makes my work special is my foundation in the traditional Italian methods I learned in Cremona, combined with years of hands-on experience in the U.S. I carefully select and season my wood, prepare my own varnish, and handcraft every detail. My mission is not mass production, but timeless quality — to create instruments that will age beautifully and inspire musicians for generations.
What are your plans for the future?
Looking ahead, my goal is to continue refining my craft and exploring the endless possibilities of sound and form. Violin making is a lifelong journey — there is always more to learn and discover. I plan to keep experimenting with materials, varnish techniques, and acoustic balance, while always staying true to the classical traditions that inspired me in Cremona.
I also hope to share more of my experience with young makers and musicians, helping them understand not just the technical side of instrument making, but also the spirit behind it — patience, respect for nature, and dedication to art.
I also plan to continue participating in international violin making competitions, not for recognition, but to challenge myself and keep growing as a maker. Each competition gives me new motivation to improve and refine my work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.okkyumviolin.com
- Instagram: okkyumviolin
- Facebook: Okkyum Kim
- Yelp: Okkyum Kim violin
Image Credits
Photos by Okkyum Kim, TJ Kwun.
