Potter Violins

Potter Violins Potter Violins is the largest purveyor of exceptional bowed string instruments in the mid-Atlantic region.

Potter Violins is a full service shop dedicated to teachers, students, and players of all levels. We stock an abundant selection of excellent instruments, bows and cases to fit every budget and playing level. A generous purchase allowance and financing is available along with our rental program and our expertly trained resident luthiers can help you maintain your instruments in peak condition. As your bowed string instrument specialists, we are invested in your success!

07/29/2026

You don't have to be ready to buy to come try instruments.

When a young musician tries different instruments and bows, they start to understand what's possible. They learn what might bring them to the next level. It's about planting seeds.

And if something strikes a chord, our in-home trial lets you compare at home, bring it to your teacher, and take your time. No pressure. No rush.

As Mr. Potter always says, Potter Violins is an educational institution with a retail component.

If you've been curious or your teacher suggested exploring options, come in. We're not here to sell you something. We're here to help you grow as a musician.

Schedule a no-pressure appointment through the link in our bio.

07/27/2026

You're not just taking your child to music summer camp.

You're building a mindset that will carry them from childhood all the way through adulthood, and the proof is all around you. Many of the parents at this week were also students here 20 years ago.

What happens in Suzuki education is a very specific way of bringing children into a worldview where they know no limits. They know that if they apply themselves, they'll be better next week than they were this week.

And the most important part? They have your support.

Join Dalton for his Suzuki Parent Talk at the American Suzuki Institute at UWSP
📅 July 28 at 11am

07/27/2026

You’re not just taking your child to music summer camp.

You’re building a mindset that will carry them from childhood all the way through adulthood, and the proof is all around you. Many of the parents at Aber Suzuki Center and American Suzuki Institute this week were also students here 20 years ago.

What happens in Suzuki education is a very specific way of bringing children into a worldview where they know no limits. They know that if they apply themselves, they’ll be better next week than they were this week.

And the most important part? They have your support.

Join Dalton for his Suzuki Parent Talk at the American Suzuki Institute at UWSP
📅 July 28 at 11am

07/24/2026

Some bows are rare. Some are remarkable. This one is both.

Fine cello bows by James Tubbs are scarce, with many living quietly in the hands of leading performers and serious collectors. This example stands among the best of them, matching the finest French bows in resilience, stability, and tonal power.

What sets it apart is how naturally it puts the player in control. Lean into the string with confidence. Expect a broad, resonant sound, comfortable and predictable in the hand every time.

Authority. Refinement. Exceptional depth.

This bow is available now. Reach out to arrange a playing trial.

Focus, self-control, the ability to switch between tasks without losing the thread. These are called executive functions...
07/22/2026

Focus, self-control, the ability to switch between tasks without losing the thread. These are called executive functions, and they're among the strongest predictors of how well a child performs in school.

According to research published by the National Institutes of Health, learning an instrument trains all of them. Not as a side effect. As a direct result of what playing music actually demands: reading notation, coordinating both hands, staying in rhythm, and adjusting in real time while listening to yourself.

Unlike a lot of "brain training" programs, these benefits transfer. Kids who play instruments tend to focus better in class, manage their time more effectively, and handle complex tasks with more confidence.

Fall lessons are coming up fast. If you're in the DC area and thinking about getting your child started, reach out about our student rental programs and teacher referral database. We're happy to help you find the right instrument or teacher for their age, level, and goals.

07/13/2026

Our not so secret recipe for spirit varnish 🎻

✅ Big jar
✅ Everclear
✅ Seed lac
✅ Blonde Shellac
✅ Sandarac
✅ Lavender Oil

Directions: Mix it up and wait a few weeks for perfection!

07/10/2026

🎻 FREE Summer Fiddle Tune Jams for Kids & Teens!

Four Saturday mornings of fiddle tunes with legendary fiddle player Sandy Hofferth, open to intermediate players and up.

📅 Saturdays: July 18 & 25, August 1 & 8
🕥 10:15–11:45am
📍 Potter Violins Recital Hall, Takoma Park, MD
💸 FREE!

Come to all four or just one. Each week we learn a brand new tune, and students get the song a week ahead as a link or mp3 to start learning by ear before the jam.

Each session covers:
🎶 Learning tunes by ear and thinking on your feet
🤝 Playing together, cooperation not competition
🎸 Chord patterns, song structure & jam etiquette
🎵 A taste of improvisation & soloing in Bluegrass jams
📋 A list of the top 20 popular fiddle tunes to explore
🗺️ Tips on where to find more local Bluegrass & Old-Time music

Cellists and violists are welcome to play chords/bass or pick up the melody by ear. Beginners are welcome to observe and listen!

Spots are limited. Register now at the link in bio or visit bit.ly/SummerFiddleJamClub2026

Yann Poulain first demonstrated his passion for the craft when he asked for a workbench at the age of 13. Since then, he...
07/02/2026

Yann Poulain first demonstrated his passion for the craft when he asked for a workbench at the age of 13. Since then, he has grown into one of Montpellier's most respected contemporary violin makers.

What sets his instruments apart:

• Blends Italian and French luthier traditions of craftsmanship
• Known for deep rich tone that carries superbly in the concert hall
• Meticulous wood selection and varnish, down to the smallest detail
• Multiple international tone prizes, including the VSA Certificate of Merit

This 2014 violin, made in Poulain's Montpellier atelier, comes with a maker's certificate.

Call 301-652-7070 to set up an appointment or an in-home trial for this instrument today!

🎻 Calling all young fiddlers, violinists, violists & cellists! 🎻 FREE Summer Fiddle Tune Jams are happening this July & ...
06/30/2026

🎻 Calling all young fiddlers, violinists, violists & cellists! 🎻 FREE Summer Fiddle Tune Jams are happening this July & August!

Join legendary fiddler Sandy Hofferth for 4 Saturday mornings spent learning tunes by ear, playing Bluegrass & Old-Time music, and making music friends.

✨ Who can join: No fiddle experience required, but students should be able to play these scales in tune, by ear, without sheet music: G & A (two octaves), and C, D, E, F (one octave)

🎶 Our instructor will teach melodies and demonstrate on violin/fiddle. Cellists and violists are welcome to play chords/bass or pick up the melody by ear. Beginners are welcome to come observe and listen quietly!

More details in our Facebook event and register to attend: FREE Summer Fiddle Jam Club

📅 July 18, 25 & Aug 1, 8 | 10:15–11:45am
📍 Potter Violins Recital Hall, Takoma Park MD
💵 FREE! Come to one, some, or all four.
🔗 REGISTER: bit.ly/SummerFiddleJamClub2026

No pressure, no competition, just good tunes and good vibes. 🎶

06/30/2026

If the sun isn't on your varnishing schedule, store bought is fine!

We transformed a space on the third floor of our Takoma Park location into a tanning booth for exactly this reason. It's lined with UVA and UVB lights where our instruments hang from a spinning fixture and cure.

On unvarnished wood, UV rays slowly darken the surface and build color into the grain before varnish ever touches it. Any color you can get into the wood at this stage deepens the final result. Once varnish is applied, the lights help it fully dry and harden.

We still love the days when we get to hang instruments out on the back steps instead,
but having this setup means we never have to wait on the weather to do good work.

Address

7711 Eastern Avenue
Takoma Park, MD
20912

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 6pm
Wednesday 10am - 6pm
Thursday 10am - 6pm
Friday 10am - 6pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+13016527070

Website

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