Meet Mackenzie Miller | Co-Founder & Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mackenzie Miller and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mackenzie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Previously, Eddy Miller (violin maker) and Evan Orman (bow maker) had their own respective businesses focused on their making. When the pandemic hit in 2020, Mackenzie Miller encouraged the idea of combining forces among the three of them to build out a violin shop. We were all passionate about showcasing modern instruments (and antique), and it seemed that Denver had a demand for higher end instruments and bows. The business started in Eddy and Mackenzie’s home, and as the business quickly grew, the shop moved into the historic Daniels & Fisher Tower (aka the Clocktower) in downtown Denver in Oct 2021.

Starting this business offered multiple benefits to us all…it offered the opportunity to expand revenue streams, support all of our musician and maker friends and colleagues, and engage fully in the world of music. The dream was to create an environment where Evan and Eddy could focus on their making, and Mackenzie could fulfill her dream of having her own business.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Denver Violins as a business is distinctive in several ways – starting with the workshop expertise which includes both violin makers (luthiers) and bow makers (archetiers). Having both of these skillsets at a violin shop is rare, and offers a high level of understanding and proficiency for our clients.

We are thankful for our connections to the Denver community and our fellow musicians. Music is our passion, and we love being able to support the instrument side of the trade.

We are very proud of a recent sale that kept a rare and important violin (1748 G.B. Guadagnini) as a part of the Denver community, now being played by the Colorado Symphony Orchestra concertmaster, Yumi Hwang-Williams.

In terms of overcoming challenges, our business began during the pandemic, has survived a building collapse (Evan’s previous workshop), and underwent intense water damage to our current location (luckily, no instruments were impacted). Each of these situations caused major setbacks and emotional turmoil. Luckily, we were able to support each other throughout and have come out stronger as a business, knowing that the path isn’t always easy.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The Denver Violins One Day Bar Hopping Snackable Bike Tour:

Start at the Novel Strand in Baker (this is where the idea of combining forces and starting Denver Violins began!), and enjoy either a dark lager or Pilsner, then hop on your bike and head downtown.

Grab a barrel-aged Manhattan at the Nickel (where many of our most important decisions have been made), then head to Larimer Square and grab the mushroom trio and the day’s special bao at Bao, a coffee at Huckleberry Roasters, and an ice cream at Van Leeuwen!

You’ll probably need a walk at this point, so head down to Union Station via the NEWLY REVAMPED 16th street mall, and enjoy the beautiful architecture, and some tapas at Ultreia.

Start heading back toward Denver Violins via Wazee, and stop by the Cruise Room in the Oxford Hotel for a Negroni, then head to the Daniels and Fisher tower’s 16th floor for a tour of the workshop at Denver Violins!

Try out all sorts of amazing instruments, ask questions about how everything works, then share a whisky with Mackenzie, Evan, and Eddy and head back to Larimer Square for dinner at Rioja and a concert at Boettcher Concert Hall in the Denver Center for the Performing Arts!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
(from Eddy) My parents were instrumental in encouraging me to play music when I was young, and after I finished music school my mother was actually the first person who came up with the idea that I should consider becoming a violin maker! I ended up following this path, and am now sitting here carving a cello bridge with my dear friends thanks to her!

(from Evan) The ex-principal cellist of the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, Jurgen DeLemos was a huge inspiration to me when I started playing the cello in 5th grade, and has been ever since. I still remember his wonderful solo at the beginning of the William Tell Overture! My father, who built guitars and violins, also taught me many of the skills that later translated into my bowmaking career.

(from Mackenzie) I am grateful for my elementary thru high school orchestra teacher, Bob Phillips. Mr. Phillips created an extremely fun and strong music community in the small city of Saline, MI that was focused on both classical and fiddle music. There were many groups and events for all to participate in, and it taught me not only how to play the violin, but granted me my love for music, performing, and sharing this connection with others. I have been obsessed with the violin ever since.

Website: https://www.denverviolins.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denverviolins/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/denver-violins/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/denverviolins/

Image Credits
Photographs by:

Danielle Uhl, Underexposed Photography
Nadya Hill, Denver Violins
Eduard Miller, Denver Violins
Evan Orman, Denver Violins