Mother-daughter duo's passion leads to Austin Strings music shop

At age 2, Chapple began her musical career with violin lessons and eventually transitioned to the cello.

“Although cello is my main instrument, I can demonstrate any of the strings we have in-house for anyone who wants to stop by the shop,” Chapple said.

In 2020, Michelle Hedden joined the Austin Strings team with a knack for customized varnishing.

“They’ve been working on bowed string instruments for almost 15 years here in Austin,” Chapple said. “They studied both repair and violin varnishing, and have a bachelor’s degree in painting, so their touch-ups and color work on instruments are excellent.”

Chapple said she enjoys hand-dyeing bow hairs fun colors and always has rainbow-colored hair on hand.

“We like to take time with people,” Chapple said. “Not everything is a quick fix, and each individual musician is unique.”

In addition to repairs and restorations, the luthiers at Austin Strings offer instrument rentals.

“Our rental program is geared to each individual; we'll help you pick out your own instrument, bow and case,” Chapple said.

Both in-person and virtual private music lessons are also available at Austin Strings.

“Our teachers set their own rates and do their own scheduling, but we can talk with you about who would be the best fit,” Chapple said.

Austin Strings also has a school orchestral repair program tailored for music educators with busy schedules.

“We do all repairs, rehairs and restorations at our shop, and we pick up and deliver the instruments based on their schedule,” Chapple said.

“We genuinely love what we do and are dedicated to helping each and every person be successful in their musical journey,” Chapple said. “We are so grateful to be serving the string players of Austin and the surrounding areas.”

• 13276 Research Blvd., Ste. 201, Austin
• www.austinstrings.com