Monica Fortin

Monica began her musical and violin education in Cuba at the age of seven. After making
her first three instruments under the tutelage of European trained Luthiers in Mexico, she
decided to switch her focus from violin playing to violin making, and in 2003, she was
accepted to the École Internationale de Lutherie de Mirecourt.

After completing school Monica worked for numerous workshops and renowned violin
makers in Europe, Canada, and the United States. In 2018 Monica and her family moved to
Neuchâtel, Switzerland to take over the management of the atelier of Philippe Girardin. It is
here that Monica focuses on the creation of violins, violas, and cellos.

Monica is a member of The American Federation of Violin and Bow Makers and regularly
participates in the Oberlin Violinmakers Workshop, Oberlin Acoustics Workshop, Villefavard (France) Acoustic Seminar, and Oh!Berlin (Brandenburg an der Havel).