Richard Gagliardi has been a violinist since the age of eight.  Indulging his love of the violin, he studied violin making with Paul Hart at the Violin Making School of America in Salt Lake City, Utah.   It is there that he learned the art of violin, viola and cello making as well as tonal appreciation, varnish making, instrument repairs, restorations and the fine art of re-touching.

After graduating in 1980, Mr. Gagliardi apprenticed for six years under the esteemed Vahakn Nigogosian and Carlos Arcieri in NYC where he had the opportunity to repair and restore many fine instruments made by many great 16th to 19th century makers.

In 1986, Mr. Gagliardi opened his own violin shop in New Jersey and has since become the area's foremost artist in the maintenance, restoration and conservation of violins, violas and cellos.  He is entrusted with the personal care of instruments belonging to collectors, soloists, teachers, students and dealers and has repaired and restored fine instruments for Christie's auction house in NYC.

Mr. Gagliardi is highly regarded as a true artisan, passionate about the integrity of the instrument and developing its highest tonal potential.   It is these qualities that have earned him the respect of fellow luthiers and musicians.

Mr. Gagliardi is a member of the Violin Society of America and a long-time supporter of the American String Teachers Association.