Roger Zabinski cello bow

Bow maker Roger Zabinski first developed an interest in instrument making when he met violin maker Vaido Radamus at the University of Minnesota, where he completed his Bachelor's Degree in Music History and Literature. Around the time of Mr. Radamus' death, Roger met Martin Beilke, an internationally-recognized bow maker working in Minneapolis. Upon learning the fundamentals of bow making from Beilke, Roger attended the bow making course at the University of New Hampshire Violin Craftsmanship Institute, where he was introduced to the French methods of bow making by master American bow maker William Salchow. In 1985, Roger was elected a member of the American Federation of Violin and Bowmakers, and a year later he received his journeyman's certificate from that same institution. In May of 2011, Roger was elected a member of the Entente Internationale des Maîtres Luthiers et Archetiers d'Art, and in November of 1986, he was awarded a Gold Medal for his violin bow at the instrument-making competition hosted by the Violin Society of America. He has since received numerous Certificates of Workmanship from that organization. Roger presently works out of his studio in Minneapolis, Minnesota.