Through years of close mentorship, Bill Belote has learned the Italian methods and traditions of violinmaking and restoration from award-winning Armenian American Master Luthier, Ashot Vartanian. Under Vartanian’s guidance, and with additional knowledge garnered through attendance at the Oberlin School of Violin Making and Restoration, Bill has made a series of violins based on Stradivari and Guarneri patterns with excellent tonal results.

He joined the Shar Music restoration team in 2005 and, along with his work as a violin maker, currently serves as the lead technician for school repairs and restoration work. Bill is also a multi-instrumentalist musician, who plays in a variety of traditional music ensembles, and who enjoys focusing his body and mind through the practice of martial arts.