RED WING, Minn. – A 2000 graduate of Minnesota State Southeast in string-instrument repair, Brian Christianson, was named college’s outstanding alum this year from the Red Wing campus. Christianson has built a career in Nashville servicing violin-family instruments. He also performs on fiddle and mandolin with nationally known bluegrass groups. His Fiddle House is a full-service string shop and a gathering space for musicians. He has conducted workshops for the Southern Violin Association, the Luthier Conference, and the Learning Trade Secrets luthier conference. His restorations include historic instruments in American folk music. These include violins that belonged to Vassar Clements, Benny Martin, and Bill Monroe’s mentor, Pendleton Vandiver.
Verbatim
Christianson, speaking at Southeast’s commencement: “To our graduates, especially those emerging from the violin and guitar repair and building programs: Every instrument is a story waiting to be told. Today it continues with all Southeast graduates. Because you are also stories waiting to be told. Whether you go on to restore the past or build what’s next, know this: Your work matters — and the music it makes, both literal and metaphorical — can echo for a lifetime.”
Christianson. A Nashville luthier.