A native of Amos, in the Abitibi region of Quebec, Canada, Andre Lavoye developed an early fascination in science and studied aeronautics before embarking on a luthier career in 1986 in Montreal. Beginning in 1988, he trained in the Paris workshop of Serge and Frederic Boyer using a grant from the Canada Council for the Arts. In Paris, he met Jean-Francois Raffin with whom he further studied the art of bow making in the early 1990’s. He continued as a luthier in various Parisian workshops including Jerome Dariel. After Paris, Lavoye honed his skills in Hong Kong and Brussels. In 1994, Lavoye returned to Montreal and served as a luthier and archetier for Wilder & Davis Luthiers before opening his own workshop in 1999. For the past 30 years, he has mentored bowmakers in Montreal, Brazil, and Cuba. Lavoye’s caring gift to the musicians of today is extraordinary bows that do the job well and are comfortable to play. If you are passionate about French bows, treat yourself to playing the Lavoye bow. The lovely patina of the frog feels like an extension of the  hand creating a symbiotic connection between you and your violin. The bow draws a plump, sturdy, and superbly confident sound brimming with color and radiance. Lavoye’s bow has a wonderful, controlled elasticity enabling delightful off the string playing, pulsing portato, jubilate string crossing, the most satisfying staccato and more. We look forward to your visit!