Itzel Ávila is a Mexican–Canadian violin maker based in Toronto, Canada. She holds a Bachelor’s degree with honours in Violin Performance from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and a Master’s degree in the same field from the University of Montreal.
Her journey into violin making began in her teenage years in Mexico, when she crafted her first instrument—an experience that sparked a lasting devotion to the art of lutherie. During her graduate studies in Montreal, Ávila further developed her craft while working at Wilder & Davis and collaborating with Michele Ashley. Driven by a commitment to excellence, she later continued her training in Cremona, Italy, and in San Francisco, USA, where she studied under the mentorship of Francis Kuttner.
Ávila is a regular participant in the renowned Oberlin Violin Makers Workshop and has exhibited her instruments internationally, with presentations in Italy, Belgium, Mexico, the Netherlands, Germany, Canada, and the United States.
From 2020 to 2022, she served as President of the Canadian Association of Violin and Bow Makers. She subsequently joined the Board of Directors of the Violin Society of America (2022– 2024), where she oversaw the coordination of the New Instrument Exhibit in both 2023 and 2024. She currently serves as Secretary of the Oberlin Violin Makers Foundation.
Ávila’s instruments are recognized for their thoughtful ergonomic design, exceptional playability, expressive responsiveness, and rich, powerful tone.
© Angel Wu