The Long Island Violin Shop

The Long Island Violin Shop (LIVS) has an unassuming presence on Main St. in Smithtown, but boasts a noteworthy mission and history.

Not only do they offer individual music lessons on the violin, viola, cello and string bass, but owner and master violin maker Charles Rufino crafts his own instruments from scratch. Handcrafting quality violins since 1983, Rufino instruments, as they are referred to, are used widely by professional musicians in concerts, recording and entertainment.

While the store in Smithtown has been open for approximately three years, there are also two other locations in Huntington Village and Setauket. The Smithtown and Huntington locations have instrument workshops on the premises, and Mr. Rufino has a workshop in his home as well.

The LIVS has a student enrollment of around 100 students, aged from 3 to 80. There are currently six instructors whose “purpose is for their students to succeed in performance, orchestra, and college auditions.” In addition to expert instruction, students can arrange for rentals and repairs for all their stringed instruments. There are a number of violin and violas on display at the Smithtown location.

Smithtown store manager Marissa Faltings has been playing the violin for 16 years, having begun around three years of age. Privately, she performs at gigs including weddings and parties, usually as part of a duet or quartet. Music can be anything from classical to jazz to top 40. Marissa is also capable of lending a hand with instrument repairs, learning the trade as an apprentice, working side by side with her colleague Endre Fischer, who trained at as a luthier in Budapest under Laszio Marosvari. Endre makes and sells violins under his own name. We are your “one stop shop for all your string needs,” says Marissa proudly.

One of the things Marissa loves about teaching is seeing the look on children’s faces when they first begin to play. She recalls “that sense of belonging and purpose in society that comes from the passion of playing the instrument you love so much.” Marissa herself owns two violins, one dates to 1868 and was known to be made in Czechoslovakia; the other is a family heirloom, handed down from her great grandfather. She treasures both instruments but notes that the Czechoslovakian violin is more delicate.

Mr. Rufino himself has an impressive background, beginning with his extensive training in string instrument craftsmanship in Europe, and assisting Nigo Nigogosian in establishing the now world-famous Oberlin Restoration Workshop in Ohio. Aside from crafting his violins, Mr. Rufino devotes his time to performing, lecturing and consulting. Mr. Rufino currently plays for the North Shore Symphony Orchestra.

When discussing the Covid-19 pandemic, Marissa explained it was challenging to transition to teaching virtually. “There are just certain things, hand placement, posture, and technique that can’t be replicated with a virtual format,”says Marissa. Marissa was happy to report that the school has now returned to near 85 percent in-person learning, though students still have the option to learn virtually, if that is their preference. Curbside service remains available for rentals and repairs.

The LIVS has a comprehensive web site (www.liviolinshop.com) that lists their full complement of services, including instrument repairs, accessories, maintenance and restoration. In addition, profiles of their instructors, including photos, are listed as well as a resource list and testimonials from customers and students. The background of Charles Rufino is provided in greater detail.