Meet our Arlington Staff

In alphabetical order

Wayne Burak, President / Owner

    Wayne combines an internationally recognized performance background with extensive experience in the violin and cello trade.  His interest in the construction, adjustment, and selection of fine stringed instruments has paralleled an active career as soloist, principal cellist and chamber collaborator.  From 1982-1995, he held the position of Principal cellist of the Fort Worth Chamber and Symphony Orchestra.  During his tenure, his professional duties included over 1,000 performances with these ensembles.  Wayne attended the Eastman School of Music, receiving a B.M. in 1978 and finishing graduate work with a M.M.  Performer’s Certificate, and a teaching assistant appointment in 1980.  During these years, Wayne maintained a violin shop serving the needs of the Eastman community.  He has become nationally regarded for his expertise in cellos, and was invited to address the nation’s top violin makers at the 1981 Violin Society of America National Convention presenting a lecture demonstration on old Italian cellos.  His work with fine instruments uncovered many construction and acoustical adjustment secrets as well as closely guarded varnish formulae.  Wayne has taught at the Eastman School of Music, University of North Texas, Texas Christian University, and Colorado College.  He regularly tours Texas schools and universities, giving orchestral clinics, lecture demonstrations and master classes.  His interest in producing professional quality replicas of old Italian violins, violas, and cellos grew out of a desire to assist all members of the string community in their search for affordable yet superb quality instruments.

Conrad Dunn, Sales Manager

    Conrad brings to us an extensive background in all areas of the music world. In addition to 26 years experience as Orchestra Director in public schools in Utah, Conrad has excelled in positions including educational director, national MENC clinician, consultant, guest orchestral conductor, recording engineer, sales manager, freelance studio musician and producer, as well as  private lesson teacher. Conrad is  a  professional violinist and violist of the highest rank, and continues to perform on a freelance basis as well as holding technique workshops in area schools.

Brian Timmons, Sales Associate

    Brian has just finished his first year at the shop and eagerly looks forward to continuing forward in the field.  He is an Arlington native who began music studies at the age of five, and at ten picked up the cello, which is now his exclusive instrument.  With an interest in bench work as well as sales, his eye for visual artistry has helped to make his first endeavors in varnishing very successful.  He has taught cello privately, performed live on electric cello, recorded with rock groups, and with several orchestras in the Dallas Fort-Worth area.