Payton Violins

12/30/2025

There’s something special about working on an instrument that’s been making music for over 400 years. Grateful for the craft and the history behind this one — and honored to begin 2026 with my hands in something so timeless.

06/24/2025

It’s hot and humid today in Rochester, and everything feels a little dreamy. Just wrapping up setting up a lot of Instruments for the shop before heading out to the Ithaca Suzuki Institute!

This violin by Franz Kinberg turned out great!

02/12/2025

We are looking for someone to join our workshop, they will shape sound and restore violins that become someone’s treasured companion. If you love the subtle art of shaping tone color from wood and string, you might find your ideal place at Payton Violins in Rochester, NY. Learn more about our Luthier position—and feel free to share with anyone who might love this craft—at the link below.

Are you a skilled craftsman with a passion for stringed instruments and a keen eye for detail? Payton Violins, the premier violin shop in upstate New York, is seeking a dedicated Luthier to join our team. This is a unique opportunity to focus on the technical artistry of repair, restoration and set-...

11/22/2024

So Grateful for all of You! + Our Best Sale of the Year, some upcoming events and we are hiring! 🎻 -

As we gather to give thanks this holiday season, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to you, our valued customers. Your support makes our work meaningful, and we are honored to be part of your musical journey.

06/07/2024

Hey June! We are having fun over here. Join us:

Tonight 6/7 - Old Time Jam 6-9pm - All levels and strings encouraged. Free/no tickets

Friday 6/14 7pm - performs Beethoven's Piano Sonata no.1!

Friday 6/21 7pm - spellbinds listeners on the nyckelharpa, the Nordic keyed folk fiddle, in a special Midsummer performance.

Saturday 6/29 7pm - Clinton's Folly and Gabi Ko! Come out to hear sounds from the Erie Canal, Adirondacks, and Genesee Valley regions with Appalachian mountain music.

https://www.paytonviolins.com/r/sTS

01/10/2024

Join us live at Payton Violins for a captivating evening of classical masterpieces featuring the debut performance of the High Falls String Quartet. Friends of the RPO Kurt Musted, Julie Gray, and Jennifer Carpenter, join forces with James Thompson from the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center as they weave a tapestry of meditation and reflection through evocative pieces by Ysaye, Dohnanyi, and Mendelssohn. Meet these incredible musicians before the event:


Jennifer Carpenter
Jennifer Carpenter is an experienced performer in a diverse range of musical styles and ensembles. She is a tenured member of Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, and her past orchestral experiences include performances in the Juilliard Orchestra, where she served as principal cellist, Aspen Music Festival and School, where she served as a fellow in the conducting academy orchestra, Cayuga Chamber Orchestra, and Finger Lakes Opera.

Julianna Gray
A native of Corning, NY, Julianna Methven Gray began playing in the violin section of the Rochester Philharmonic in 2012. Prior to coming to Rochester, she was a member of the Syracuse Symphony for 8 years.

Kurt Munstedt
Violinist Kurt Munstedt joined the first violin section of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra in September of 2023. He previously performed as Assistant Principal second violin of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. During the summers, he plays Principal second violin in the Boston Festival Orchestra.

James Thompson
Violinist/violist James Thompson enjoys a multifaceted career as a chamber musician, soloist, educator, and lecturer. He has performed extensively as a member of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center’s Bowers Program since 2021.

Get your tickets here: https://www.simpletix.com/e/high-falls-string-quartet-tickets-155436

See you Friday!

01/03/2024

High Falls String Quartet

Start the new year with a captivating evening of classical masterpieces featuring the debut performance of the High Falls String Quartet. Join us as friends of the RPO Kurt Musted, Julie Gray, and Jennifer Carpenter, join forces with James Thompson from the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center as they weave a tapestry of meditation and reflection through evocative pieces by Ysaye , Dohnanyi , and Mendelssohn. Don't miss this magical night of live classical music in the beautiful performance space at Payton Violins – a truly intimate experience with the High Falls String Quartet!

12/08/2023

✨ Strings of Joy Await: Exciting Holiday Surprises! -

Amidst the gentle snowfall and the enchanting melodies of winter, Payton Violins extends warm holiday wishes to all. May your season be filled with harmony, joy, and the magic of music. As we celebrate this festive season, please take note of our special holiday hours:December Holiday Closure:

04/19/2023

Folk musician and Fulbright Finland alumna Alyssa Rodriguez performs a concert of traditional and modern music on Swedish nyckelharpa, Sweden’s national folk instrument. Join us at Payton Violins’ first concert in its new concert series at the Anderson Arts building for a wonderful afternoon of music and conversation.

Sunday - April 23rd - 3pm - 250 N. Goodman St. Rochester NY

Tickets: https://www.simpletix.com/e/world-nyckelharpa-day-with-alyssa-rodrigue-tickets-129335

03/23/2023