About Marcus Bretto
A Burlington, Vermont–based violin maker championing old-world craftsmanship.
Roots & Early Years
Marcus grew up in Hingham, Massachusetts, surrounded by music, storytelling and the studio life of his father. He remembers building cardboard guitars with rubber-band strings as a child and playing violin from the sixth grade onward.
His curiosity extended to woodworking, taking apart broken radios and instruments and eventually joining his school district’s instrument repair program.
Formal Training at North Bennet Street School
To channel his passion into craft, Marcus enrolled at the renowned North Bennet Street School in Boston, Massachusetts. There he completed the three-year Violin Making & Repair program, training one-on-one with professional makers and laying the technical foundation for his career.
From Curiosity to Craft
Graduating from NBSS, Marcus moved into professional instrument making—joining the team at Vermont Violins where he contributed to the design and building of hundreds of instruments.
“A violin should invite the player to relax. When the instrument does its share of the work, music flows.”
The Candido Influence
Growing up with his father, musician/children’s author/songwriter/producer Candido Bretto, Marcus crafts each violin: considering who will play it, how it will feel, and what journey it will support.
The Vermont Workshop
Based in Burlington, Vermont, Marcus keeps his bench focused and attends each commission with full attention. Working in a light, quiet space, he limits annual output to ensure time for voicing, finish, and personal adjustment. His instruments have been featured in the rental/sales/catalog at Vermont Violins.
Milestones
- Childhood: Grew up in Hingham, Massachusetts, surrounded by music and craft.
- Teens: Began instrument repair, performing and woodworking.
- 2013-2016 (approx): Attended North Bennet Street School’s Violin Making & Repair program in Boston.
- Post-Graduation: Joined Vermont Violins, participated in building/design of hundreds of instruments.
- Today: Runs his own studio in Burlington, VT, crafting limited-edition violins and serving the string community.
Commissions & Contact
To inquire about available instruments, commission timelines, or setup work, please get in touch.
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