Erin Ventura

MMus | Luthier | Owner

 

Erin Ventura comes from sunny Los Angeles, California where she completed a Bachelor of Music Degree in double bass performance. This journey led her to complete a Master of Music Degree at the Jacob’s School of Music at Indiana University. There, she studied with Kurt Muroki and completed the violin making program with Tom Sparkes.

During Erin’s time at Indiana University, she developed a passion for the art and beauty of string instruments. This passion led her to pursue becoming a professional luthier. After completing her academic studies, Erin returned to Los Angeles to work and learn in the Hans Weisshaar shop under the guidance of Georg Ettinger. During this time, Erin had the privilege of working on many beautiful and rare instruments from players across the world. While working in the Weisshaar shop, she was also a freelance bassist and educator.

In 2019, Erin immigrated to Canada, settled in Halifax, and started the Ventura Violins business. Since starting the business, Erin has done work for Symphony Nova Scotia musicians, local professionals, students, and schools. During her career, she has also attended the Southern California Violin and Bow makers institute and was a part of the Build-a-Bass team at the International Society of Bassists conference.

Erin lives in the North End in Halifax with her husband and cat. While she is not working in the shop, she enjoys building instruments, woodworking, cooking, sewing, swimming, and enjoying life!

Justin Chiang

MMus | Low Brass Musician | Administrator

Justin Chiang comes from Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada where he completed his Bachelor of Music Degree in Euphonium and Trombone performance at the University of British Columbia with Greg Cox and Peder MacLellan. From there, he attended the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University and completed a Masters of Music Degree in Euphonium and a Performer’s Diploma in Bass trombone. During this time he studied with Dan Perantoni, Dee Stewart, and Carl Lenthe. While at Indiana University, he completed one year of the Violin Making program with Tom Sparkes.

Upon completion of his studies, Justin moved back to BC to begin his career as a freelance musician and arts administrator. While living in BC, he worked as the Operations Coordinator for the Vancouver Bach Choir, local educator, and performer. He has been seen performing with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Vancouver Island Symphony, Vancouver Metropolitan Orchestra, Okanagan Symphony Orchestra, National Academy Orchestra of Canada and many more.

Justin has also been part of the Canadian Armed Forces as a musician in the Reserves and now as a Regular Force member. Winning the job with the Regular Force has brought him to Halifax where he is a member of the Stadacona Band. While not at work, he enjoys working on customizing brass instruments, 3d printing, cooking, and hanging out with his wife and cat!