New York City is famously nicknamed ‘the city that never sleeps.’ Whether it is nine in the morning or eleven at night, Manhattan is full of life, hosting a variety of niche communities all driven by passion, creativity, and an incessant desire to improve and pursue their interests. From hidden Harlem delis that unexpectedly serve the most amazing food, to art galleries in Tribeca, the city hums with the energy of people who have found purpose and inspiration in the most unexpected places, and sometimes with the most unlikely of professions.
Nestled in an unsuspecting corner of the Upper West Side is the home and workshop of a luthier, Lukas Wronski. A luthier is a craftsman who builds and repairs stringed instruments, an art that is appreciated by all musicians. I was granted the opportunity to speak with Lukas Wronski when I needed new strings on my violin and new hair on the bow for my violin, as I’ve been doing for years now. I almost look forward to each time I need repairs, so that I can have the chance to to talk with Lukas Wronski.
Lukas Wronski’s apartment building looks just like the typical unsuspecting Manhattan residence, but when venturing inside, you are greeted with an unusual sight. Piles of musical instruments take up every spare corner in the rooms that make up Wronski’s workshop, store, and home. The rows and rows of violins hanging from the ceiling, the instrument-themed decor, and Wronski’s adorable cats all contribute to the unique and comforting feel of the store, one that you cannot find in a chain business. The artworks covering every inch of the walls, including hundreds of distinctive paintings and pieces of music, unendingly draw your gaze.
My first question was something I have been curious about for as long as I have been taking my violin to Lukas Wronski: “What were some of the early challenges you faced in your career, specifically in New York City, and how did you overcome them?”
“Actually, New York City is a very friendly city for new artists, especially artists. Because this city has a big history of the culture, scenes, music, and art…the thing is, there are a lot of opportunities,” Wronski said. When talking about his philosophy on succeeding in a big city with many competitors, Wronski mentioned that “if somebody is really hardworking and wants to do it, and is not afraid of challenges or failures… that’s how you get stronger, that’s how you get better, that’s how you get your goals even farther. So the most important thing here is to believe in yourself as much as you can. So this is the challenge, to be always strong. The challenge is to always be happy, to do this job, and at the end of the day, to send gratitude. Especially in the city, because there’s a lot of competitors, there’s a lot of people, there’s a lot of talent, and time for sure flies faster in the big city. The challenge is to always be happy with whatever you achieve and to have more goals ahead.”
Wronski explained how the city’s competitiveness and amount of talent serves as a motivation, rather than a hindrance. Although hard work is necessary, he also believes that part of his success and ability to stand out comes from being satisfied with his work at the end of the day. Because of his strong self-motivation and quality of art, many customers hold him in very high regard and consider him a top luthier despite other talented artists in such a big city.
I reflected on how I first started coming to Lukas Wronski’s shop to repair my violins. I was recommended to him by my elementary school violin teacher, as he admired the various types of instruments available at Wronski’s shop. The importance of connections in the music industry is striking and is something that I’ve grown up understanding.
With two classical musicians as parents, attending music-focused elementary and middle schools, and now participating in a music pre-college program, I’ve noticed that every musician in New York City seems to have some connection to each other. Because of the small but tight-knit community of musicians in this city, word of mouth seems to be the primary form of marketing for many small businesses in this particular niche. I’ve recommended Lukas Wronski to several of my friends and fellow students, all of whom have equally appreciated his work and will continue to spread the good word.
Blinded by the many chances provided in the big city, many people don’t realize how few opportunities are available in the music world to people in underprivileged situations outside the United States. While being a very respected craftsman, Lukas Wronski is also a generous philanthropist who has recognized the financial aspect that deters people from owning instruments. He has supported multiple different organizations, most recently donating multiple violins to Tanzania and planning to give more in the future.
I asked Lukas Wronski, “in 2024, you generously sent four violins to Tanzania to allow more children to participate in a music program. You’ve also sent violins to Cuba, along with several places in South America. Can you say more about how and why you choose to donate to these organizations, and why there seems to be a specific focus on allowing children to participate in music making?”
“I understand that many kids who are coming from the poorer families or countries, like Tanzania or Latin America, don’t have too many sources to get these instruments or even help from the government… music doesn’t have borders, right? So we teach them that there is a communication between them and here, them and me, and there’s somebody who can actually help and support them, and there’s some kind of hope also in this that they can actually count on somebody, so that they can study, and that’s very important to have this movement. There is no question for me to send something if they need it, if their purpose is right,” Wronski said.
Wronski mentioned that he thinks he will be “donating even more soon… When I tell my customers, they’re always happy to hear it because it’s going to the right place. They are very happy to help, because they know that music can be the most beautiful expression in life. So I’m very happy giving them opportunities.” Along with searching out ways to send violins to different countries, people have begun to recommend different organizations to Lukas Wronski, knowing that he will be overjoyed to contribute.
I asked Lukas Wronski, “what do you think makes a violin or any string instrument special?”
“It’s the satisfaction and how rewarding it is. At the end of the day, you have to be satisfied with your work. Instruments are very specific and very special, and that holds true for any musical instrument. Of course if I say that the violin is the most special, many musicians who play other instruments will be mad at me, but the violin definitely has an incredible energy. It’s something very organic and special because the sound of the violin is very similar to the human voice,” Wronski said.
I asked, “how does this make the violin such an important instrument across different cultures and genres?”
“The violin, through the ages, has been played in every kind of music in the world. From classical, to jazz, bluegrass, folk, war music, Indian and African music, the violin exists everywhere because this is the expression of your soul through music. I think the violin has this voice, like a singing voice, and that it is one of the most incredible and important instruments, and that’s why it moves people so much,” Wronski said.
Lukas Wronski’s generosity reveals a deeper side to his work than simply repairing instruments. His connection to musical communities highlights a belief that music isn’t just a craft but a way to bridge gaps between people, no matter where they come from. He believes that music is a universal language, one that can bring hope and opportunity to those who need it, offering solidarity through the simple yet powerful act of sharing an instrument. The way that Lukas Wronski approaches crafting an instrument, additionally, shows how he thinks of music as a vessel for emotion and tradition.
In a city that thrives on connections and community, Lukas Wronski has found a way to make his mark not just through his art, but through his kindness. His story proves that the true value of music lies in sharing it with others, and that the work of one person, no matter how niche or small, can have a lasting impact on the lives of many. By giving others the opportunity to play and learn, whether by repairing a broken peg or donating his art, he provides many with the chance to express themselves, to build confidence, and to create something beautiful. And in doing so, he embodies the very spirit of New York City — a place that, like the music itself, is always alive, always reaching for new possibilities, and always finding ways to connect.
Instruments are very specific and very special, and that holds true for any musical instrument. Of course if I say that the violin is the most special, many musicians who play other instruments will be mad at me, but the violin definitely has an incredible energy. It’s something very organic and special because the sound of the violin is very similar to the human voice,” Lukas Wronski said.