Daily Inspiration: Meet Matteo Marsili

Today we’d like to introduce you to Matteo Marsili.

Hi Matteo, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Matteo Marsili was born in 1991 in Viadana (Mantova). He studied at the International School of Violin Making in Cremona under the guidance of Master Massimo Negroni, teacher of practical violin making workshop. He graduated in 2010 – Later he went through a period of internship in Master Negroni’s workshop where he perfected his technique and style. He improved his skills in the construction of bowed instruments experimenting new methods in some other studios in Cremona.
In 2017 he opened a violin making workshop in his house in the center of Casalmaggiore.
Since 2018 he has participated in the annual local events “Casalmaggiore International Music Festival” and “San Carlo’s Fair”, exhibiting his instruments. Nowadays he dedicates to the construction of new bowed instruments inspired by the models of the great masters of the past (Stradivari, Guarneri del Gesù) as well as personal models.
He also focuses on the preparation of his personal varnish (alcohol/ mixed varnish) characterized by amber colour using an antiquated faded technique.
Passionate about history and local craftsmanship, in 2016 he began collecting documents and testimonies on Gabriele Pareschi (Ferrara 1924- Casalmaggiore 1996), son of Gaetano, a violin maker in Ferrara, and the fruit of intense research and investigation,
is a book published in January 2025 entitled “Pareschi – A family of Ferrarese violin makers in 20th-century violin making”; He also collaborated inproducing a publication about Mario Federici, luthier from Fossacaprara (Cremona).
In July 2023 he registered as violin maker with the Chamber of Commerce and in November of the same year he set up his new workshop “ Bottega di Liuteria” : the first ever violin making workshop in town.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Attending the “A. Stradivari” International School of Violin Making in Cremona was the most important experience for my career; at the age of 14, I found myself in close contact with classmates of all ages from all over the world, which allowed me to grow and discover new cultures, traditions, and languages ​​completely different from my own.

My journey as a student at this prestigious school was not easy, especially since I had no experience interacting with adults from a different culture; however, I quickly formed good friendships that I still maintain today, despite the distance.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a Violin Maker; I build violins, violas, and cellos in my workshop in the province of Cremona. I opened my shop in 2023 after working for many years as a factory employee, but this had always been my dream: to have a small artisan workshop—the first of its kind in my hometown of Casalmaggiore (located in the province of Cremona, just a few kilometers from Parma and Mantua). My instruments are entirely handmade; I personally select the materials and pay special attention to acoustics, frequently consulting with musicians.

Since 2024, I have been exhibiting my instruments at Cremona Musica—the most important trade fair for us luthiers—and in 2026, I began exhibiting abroad as well, at the Nuremberg fair and at exhibitions in shops across Europe.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Continuing to study and stay up to date—alongside maintaining the quality of the materials and the craftsmanship of the instruments—is, I believe, important for continuing to achieve good results.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.marsiliviolins.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marsiliviolins
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marsiliviolins
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marsiliviolins