Claire Givens

Musical Instruments

Updated: 3.23.12

In 1977, Claire Givens founded Claire Givens Violins, Inc. in Minneapolis, Minnesota, a shop specializing in the sale and restoration of fine violins, violas, cellos and their bows.

Ms. Givens serves on the Violin Society of America's Board of Directors, the Advisory Board of the Yale University Musical Instruments Collection, and the Board of Trustees of the National Music Museum. She is also a member of the American Musical Instrument Society, the American String Teachers Association, and NAMM.

Ms. Givens published Violin and Bow Makers of Minnesota, a history of the 160 makers who worked in Minnesota beginning in the late 19th century. In 1988, she hosted the Violin Society of American International Violinmaking Competition, and in 2005 organized the Conference "Secrets, Life's and Violins of the Great Cremona Makers" for the National Music Museum. She has also contributed articles to The Strad magazine.