Cheryl Nizam is an established violin maker based in Olympia, Washington, who has been building, repairing, and restoring fine stringed instruments in the Pacific Northwest since 2000. Her work is grounded in traditional violin-making techniques and shaped by decades of experience serving musicians at every stage of their musical journeys.

Cheryl graduated from the Chicago School of Violin Making in 1998, where she studied under master luthier Tschu Ho Lee. She continued her professional training in Chicago, working in the workshop of William Harris Lee and alongside the renowned violin maker Carl Becker. These formative years immersed her in a strong tradition of craftsmanship, precision, and respect for the historical lineage of fine violin making.

After relocating to Washington State, Cheryl worked at Applebaum Violins and later at R. L. Ray Violins, where for more than 25 years she specialized in the repair and restoration of instruments for professional musicians, students, and collectors throughout the region. Her restoration work emphasizes careful listening, structural integrity, and preservation of each instrument’s unique tonal character.

Cheryl continues to build, restore, and care for instruments with the belief that fine craftsmanship supports not only musicians, but the broader cultural life of the community. She is passionate about her work and strives to constantly produce high-quality instruments. Her approach combines traditional Cremonese methods with thoughtful collaboration, helping players find reliability, beauty, and voice in their instruments.