About Us
Virtuosity was founded in Fall of 2015 after a need was recognized for a communal meeting place for musicians to exchange ideas, network, and learn about instruments new and old. We are continually learning, expanding inventory, and becoming an indispensable source for products and information. Whether its a custom horn or a rare collectible, we've helped customers from several continents track down their dream instrument. At Virtuosity, we don't think of ourselves as just another store.
 |
Owner Steve Johnson is deeply rooted in the greater Boston music community. In addition to his Doctoral studies at Boston University, Steve holds Master's & Bachelor's degrees in trumpet from Cincinnati Conservatory. A New England native and freelancer, Steve has always been fascinated with musical instruments. "The thought that we can create beautiful sounds from raw materials such as wood or metal is incredible. The first time I made a sound on my trumpet it blew me away." |
| |
|
| Bass trombone specialist and Southern Californian Alek Mansouri completed his Master’s degree in Trombone Performance at Boston University in 2020. As a user of cochlear implants, Alek feels grateful and inspired to be involved in the music community. His interests in different sounds and people's abilities influence projects that include musicians from all walks of life. |
 |
| |
|
 |
Woodwind specialist and contrabass clarinet tiktok micro-influencer Emy Hardy is a clarinetist from San Diego, California with nearly two decades of playing experience. She earned her bachelors degree from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and is currently completing her Master of Arts in Music and Music Education through Columbia University Teachers College. She has previously served as a K-6 general music teacher and is currently the lead visual instructor for the Acton-Boxborough Regional High School Marching Band as well as the clarinet teacher for the district. In the summer, she teaches conducting and leadership with the George N. Parks Drum Major Academy. |
| |
|
| Brass specialist Trevor McCoy is, in fact, the real McCoy. He has studied bass trombone under Sean Reusch and other world-class trombonists across the country. A woodworker, McCoy spends his free time in his garage building fine furniture from salvaged hardwood lumber. Seeking to further grind for crafting XP, he studies the art of brass repair under Lou Anderson. |
 |
| |
|
|
|
A native of Eksjö, Sweden, Woodwind Technician Frida Linderang has been repairing flutes, saxophones, clarinets and all other woodwind instruments since 2010. She studied flute at the University of Arizona & the University of Northern Iowa before enrolling in the instrument repair school at Renton Technical College in Renton, Washington. Frida has previously worked with master flute maker Emanuel Arista and has repaired woodwind instruments at shops from Texas to Massachusetts having worked alongside legendary woodwind repairman Emilio Lyons at Rayburn Music. Frida has completed the Straubringer certification course as well as additional courses in repair through the Vermont Guild of Flutemaking. Frida is also a faculty member at the Berklee College of Music where she teaches courses in instrument repair and rebuilding. |
|
Brass Technician Lou Anderson brings over 30 years of experience to the bench. He has gained a unique knowledge of brass instrument design and was a founding member of SE Shires Co. where he worked and co-designed the trumpet line for 20 years. In addition to modern instruments, Lou works with the historical instrument collection at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts and Boston Symphony Hall. He has lectured on trumpet acoustics at New England Conservatory and teaches Brass Repair at the Berklee College of Music. Lou has worked with notable trumpeters around the world to get the most out of their horns. He studied trumpet at Boston Conservatory under Steve Emery and has performed with Boston Lyric Opera, New Mexico Symphony and the San Diego Symphony.
“Lou can make any trumpet play better, period.” - Doc Severinsen, International Trumpet Legend
“Lou has opened a new world for me to the joy of playing a horn that plays exactly the way I want it to. I trust him completely with all the horns in my Arsenal. I even bring him on the road when on tour to do overhauls. Lou is quite simply, the best!" -Rashawn Ross, Dave Matthews Band
“The knowledge, integrity and care that Lou Anderson brought to overhauling my horn to play perfectly for me was something else. I was simply unaware of the possibilities until now. Lou is one of one! Much gratitude to everyone at Virtuosity for a life-changing experience!!"- Philip Dizack, Assistant Professor, Jazz Trumpet, University of North Texas
|
 |
 |
Digital Content Archduke Sam Gossner is responsible for Virtuosity's Youtube presence and instrument photos. Sam has a Bachelor's degree in Professional Music from Berklee College of Music with concentrates including music business and recording. When he's not wrangling pixels or messing around with endless color grades, he enjoys playing tenor sackbut, historical F bass trombone, and baking banana bread. |
| |
|
| Apprentice Jeremy Foo studies the art of instrument repair under Lou Anderson and Frida Linderang. He is currently wrapping up his studies at Berklee College of Music studying Music Business and trombone under Angel Subero. When is not working, he is busy gaming with his friends. |
 |
| |
|
Each musician is as important as the next, no matter where they are on their musical journey. We're here to help you along the way.
