Connecting people to the arts in the Cowichan Valley,

Cowichan Valley Music Instrument Makers:

All active CVAC members are encouraged to get a free listing in this arts directory. Individuals, businesses and groups may request a listing.

Zak Stolk

Zak Stolk Luthier
Website: www.zakviolins.com

Zak's studies in graphic arts at the Niagara Institute of Technology further developed his artistic ability. His need to experiment with his materials eventually led to instrument making. He studied with Peter Mach, a luthier in Aylmer, Quebec.

Only select aged tone woods (10 - 60 years old) are used to make the violins, violas, cellos, basses, mandolins and archtop guitars. Each instrument is handcrafted from broadleaf maple and Sitka spruce. Zak uses his intuition and liberally borrows from the techniques used by Stradivari and Guarneri. The varnishes he uses are developed from his own formulas.

His instruments have sold widely in Canada and U.S.A. and as far away as Europe.

Zak lives and works on his instruments in an old homestead on the shores of Lake Cowichan, on Vancouver Island in Canada. Visitors are always welcome.

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Rommy Verlaan

Heart Song Flutes
Website: www.heartsongflutes.ca

Lakota Flutes soothe the soul with their delicate haunting sounds. Also known as the Native Love Flute, these instruments were created with nature in mind, and played from the heart to express passion.

Heartsong flutes are handcrafted on the shores of Lake Cowichan British Columbia Canada, by Rommy Verlaan.

Our flutes are made from a variety of wood: traditional red cedar, maple, juniper, spruce, walnut, cherry, plum, yellow cedar, fir, as well as exotic wood from South American and Africa. All flutes are tuned to a specific key. Grandfather tunings are also available Custom orders are welcome.

We hope Heartsong flutes will be played from the heart by many, for years to come.

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