Michael Doran graduated from the Violin Making School of America, where he studied under Charles Woolf and Peter Prier. Michael has the distinction of finishing the coursework of the four year program in three years.

Currently he divides his time between making new instruments and restoration and repair.

Michael has also participated in the Oberlin College Violin Making Workshop, a unique experience where the finest makers from the world over share their wealth of knowledge while they work side by side.

Michael has received several awards in the Violin Society of America’s violin making competition in recognition of his work. These include a Gold Medal for Cello, a Silver Medal for Cello Tone, and Certificates of Merit for Violin and Cello Tone. He has also served as Guest Examiner for graduating students at the Violin Making School of America.

Michael has been privileged to be part of such a rich lineage of excellent teachers. New making and restoration work both fulfill different aspects of Michael’s passion for violins.