Luthier and Pedagogue Tschu ho Lee has Died, Aged 91

A mentor to generations of violinmaking students, Lee was director of the Chicago School of Violinmaking

The Korean-American luthier and pedagogue Tschu ho Lee has passed away at the age of 91.

Born in Seoul in 1932, while Korea was under Japanese occupation, Lee initially trained as a violinist and a sculptor, indulging his twin passions. He later opted to become a luthier, relocating to Mittenwald, Germany in the 1960s to study at the Musical Instrument Making School Mittenwald.

Following his training, Lee remained in Germany to work under Josef Kantuscher, when he was awarded his Meisterbrief. Around 1970 he moved to Chicago, where he worked for Kenneth Warren and Son as the teacher of the workshop's new School of Violinmaking.

Lee was to be associated with the school for the rest of his working life, eventually becoming its Director and then, in 2003, its Director Emeritus. The school is now known as the Chicago School of Violinmaking and will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2025.

Lee will be remembered for the many violins he crafted, with his generous output totaling more than 300 instruments. He was also a significant mentor to generations of violin students and will live on through their work.

Our condolences to Lee's family, friends, and colleagues — especially his wife, Hi-Ok Lee.