Natanael Sasaki

Master Violin Maker

Natanael's early musical journey, prior to commencing violin studies at Kuopio Conservatory of Music, encompassed Kodaly training group and Suzuki studies. At the tender age of five, he was accepted into Kuopio Conservatory, guided by teacher Seija Mönkkönen. By age nine, Natanael had secured a place in the Sibelius Academy program for young, gifted musicians, where he was mentored by Pertti Sutinen, Zoja Istomina, and Igor Bezrodny. He also received private instruction from teachers like Hagai Shaham, Anatoli Reznikowsky, and Edward Wolfson. Natanael's educational journey included attending a music elementary school, a junior music high school, and a music high school. Throughout these formative years, he showcased his musical talents as a soloist and in various ensembles, including small chamber groups, violin-piano duos, and international orchestra collectives. In 1999, he graduated from Kuopio Yhteiskoulu Music College.

Natanael worked for a Canadian violin shop V. A. Hill fine strings from 2005-2016 as a master violin maker, restorations & repairs and a mentor.

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Natanael served in North Karelia brigade from 1999-2000 as a Jaeger. After his military service his studies concentrated into violin making. In 2001 Natanael started his studies in Newark school of Violin making under principal violin maker Kerry Boylan. He enjoyed influence of great teachers like Peter Smith, Paul Goslin, Paul Harold and Bob Payne. After graduating from Newark school he studied bow making in Cambridge under Jan Kudanowski.