Rachele Turgeon

....We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors—we borrow it from our children.”   Back ;

Growing up in a musical family Rachele took Ballet, piano, french horn and violin into her teens.  Wanting to follow in the family business Rachele entered into an apprentice program in 1981 with Bow Maker  Michael Vann (her step-father).  During her four-year apprenticeship, Rachele studied the art form of French bow making, to include, bow rehairing, repairing, restoring bows, instrument repair, and setup.  She furthered her studies when asked to work with William Salchow in New York City in the mid-'80s.  Returning to Canada, Rachele opened a shop in Victoria, continued work with Michael Vann and was also employed at the Violin Shop in Vancouver, BC owned by Gerald Staynick.  During this time Rachele applied and was accepted to three violin-making schools - one in the USA, Germany, and England.  Rachele chose to attend the Newark School of Violin Making in England.  Rachele completed 2 years of the program consisting of instrument making, playing, history, set-up, and varnishing.

  After her eight years of study and work experience, Rachele returned to Canada and enrolled at Malaspina University.  She graduated with a forestry diploma and immediately gained a contract in Forest Inventory which took her to Prince George.   There she established her business, The Rococo Violin Shop.  By 1999 the violin shop had employees as was operating full-time servicing bowed instruments players across Canada.

Rachele continues to work with Michael Vann and has also worked as a teacher assistant with M. Vann at his Bow-making school in Victoria, BC for several summers.  In 2022 Rachele relocated to Vancouver Island to be close to family and continues to operate a full-service violin shop from Chemainus BC catering to musicians Canada wide.