J.R. Judd Violins was established in 1989 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania by Jeffrey R. Judd. Now in its eighteenth year, the violin shop continues to grow and houses over 300 older and more rare violins, violas, cellos, basses and bows for purchase, in addition to its extensive rental program.

The violin shop serves Pennsylvania and its surrounding states, specializing in service to professional players, teachers, and students of all levels. Currently, the violin shop services seven universities and colleges and over thirteen public school string music programs. In 2002, J.R. Judd Violins was the winner of the PADESTA Distinguished Service Award.

About Jeffrey R. Judd

Violinmaker and owner of J.R. Judd Violins, Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Jeff began his interest in violin making and restoration as a teenager. He was trained in the European tradition of violinmaking, working as an apprentice with Richard Menzel, a luthier, in Livingston, New Jersey.

Mr. Judd began playing the violin when he was five years of age and studied with violinists, Iona Seigel, Mora Giannini, Fred Schmidt, Dr. John Maltese, and Francis Pittock. He also studied string bass with Henry Neubert. Mr. Judd has a B.M. in Music Education with an emphasis in voice and violin from Grove City College and an M.M. in Music Education with an emphasis in double bass from Ithaca College. Mr. Judd taught and developed young string players for thirteen years in the Williamsport Area School District. Mr. Judd has given presentations at region and district festivals and at the 1999 and 2001 PMEA state conventions.

Jeff and his wife, Ann, reside in Williamsport with their two daughters, Julie and Jennifer.

About Jerry H. Lynn

Jerry H. Lynn holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Violin Performance from the Pennsylvania State University.  His violin teachers include James Lyon, Kenneth Sarch and Georgia Burch.

Jerry’s involvement in luthiery began in his mid-teens, when a visit to J.R. Judd Violins sparked an interest in the construction of bowed stringed instruments.  This interest, coupled with knowledge of tools and woodworking gained from his father and grandfathers, provided a great foundation for learning and exploring the centuries old craft of violin making and restoration. 

As a musician Jerry has lent his talents to an overwhelming number of theatre, orchestral, and commercial recording productions at all levels. Jerry feels at home in many musical genres.  In 2002 Jerry released his first album entitled “Hugh Indigo” – an eclectic approach to jazz violin with influences ranging from Monteverdi to hip hop.   Recently, Jerry has focused his musical endeavors towards audio engineering and music production using traditional analog multi-track techniques, as well as computer-based music production.

Attention to detail and a perfectionist drive are always present at his workbench.  Currently, Jerry is developing a reputation for fine setup work and for his ability to facilitate players’ needs from the perspective of a fellow musician. 

About Sarah K. Decker

Sarah Keely Decker is an honors graduate of the Greatbatch School of Music, Houghton College, in Houghton, New York.  She studied under Benjamin R. King and Shirley M. Close (former leading dramatic soprano of the Mannheim Opera Company) while fulfilling her Bachelor of Music Degree in Vocal Performance.  She has also studied with Marc Lewis, former stage director of the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, and worked with opera singer/recitalist Benita Valente at the Eastman School of Music.

Sarah has participated in several NATS singing competitions, Choral Festivals, PMEA Festivals, and School of Music recitals.  As part of the Houghton College Choir, she has performed J.S. Bach’s St. John’s Passion with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and soloed in Houghton’s own performance of Handel’s Messiah.   Theatre work includes the role of Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls, the part of Susannah in Carlisle Floyd’s Susannah, Mozart’s The Impresario, Johann Strauss’ Die Fledermaus, and numerous other operas and musicals. 

Currently, Sarah is employed at Saint John’s School of the Arts in Williamsport, PA.  She teaches private voice lessons to students ages twelve to fifty-two.  This is the highlight of her week!  Sarah also enjoys volunteering at her home church – helping to lead Youth Group, singing with the praise band, the choir, or offering special music.  She loves to travel and sing at local churches as well.  Sarah is married to Mr. Seth Decker, an English teacher at Curtin Middle School in the Williamsport Area School District. She is the proud owner of two chocolate labs, Hershey and JoePa.

Sarah is completing her third year as the Office Manager here at J.R. Judd Violins, gradually allowing Mr. Judd more time at his workbench. In charge of all things administrative, she is happy to answer your questions regarding payments, purchases, policies, the rental program, or other related items.

About Chris Pick

A graduate of the Williamsport Area High School and former member of the Millionaire Strolling Strings, Pick pursued a Music Education degree at Mansfield University and Lycoming College. His instrument of study from elementary school through college was double bass. During his college years, Pick was a member of the Mansfield University Symphony Orchestra and the Mansfield University chapter of the American String Teachers Association. He served as president of the MU chapter of A.S.T.A. and as principal bassist for the MU Symphony.

Pick left school to pursue ministry training and mission work. He was the worship leader for Zercourt First Church of God in Greenville, SC. Pick also taught fifth grade and music at the Christian School at Cogan Station in Cogan Station, PA. He established a successful after-school music program that gave the students music lessons at an affordable cost.

As a singer/songwriter, Pick records and performs regularly.

About Bethany Fisher

Bethany is a graduate of the Pennsylvania State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music. Splitting her time between Geneva College and Penn State she has studied piano with Dr. Eugene Alcalay, Gail Kusbit and Marylene Dosse. Bethany enjoyed her days of accompanying choirs and individuals at both Geneva and Penn State so much that she currently accompanies the choirs at Roosevelt Middle School as well as the children and youth choirs at her church. She is married to Karl Fisher, who is Director of Young Adult and Middle School Ministries at First United Methodist Church, and together they take on the middle school youth group there. Bethany also loves spending time with her miniature dachshund Rufus and is looking forward to a new addition to the family: Angus, the bassett hound.

About Lindsey Dye

Lindsey Dye is a senior at Williamsport Area High School. She has been playing violin for nine years and participates in extra-curricular activities such as the Williamsport Millionaire Strolling Strings and the Williamsport Symphony Youth Orchestra, as well as the High School Orchestra, Choir, and occasionally playing at church. She has also participated in the pit orchestras for the musicals "Oklahoma" and "West Side Story." Lindsey has also participated in many PMEA Orchestra events, including the 2007 PMEA State orchestra and the 2008 PMEA State Conference in the Williamsport Millionaire String Quartet.

Besides practicing her precious violin, some of Lindsey's interests include reading, watching movies, and listening to her iPod. Lindsey's favorite music ranges from the Bach Sonatas and Partitas to songs by Josh Groban and The Decemberists. Lindsey has worked at Judd Violins as an apprentice for one and a half years. After High School, Lindsey plans to attend Messiah or Houghton College for a degree in Music Education.