Our
Story

Spencer Brook Strings was founded in 1998 by violinist and teacher Paul Leder. Paul has performed with the Opera Company of Boston, served as concertmaster for orchestras across New England, and spent decades leading student orchestras and festivals. That experience shaped a simple conviction: a student’s instrument matters. A well-crafted, properly adjusted violin, viola, cello, or bass makes playing easier from the first lesson, and it gives a young musician something worth reaching for.

What began as a way to put quality instruments in students’ hands has grown into a resource for the entire stringed instrument community in the Boston area.

Our mission is to bring beautiful instruments to students as they join the centuries-old community of string players. Whether you’re renting a first instrument, buying one to grow with, need a repair or adjustment, are looking for a teacher, or simply want to connect with other musicians, we’re here to help.

Spencer Brook is a small stream in Concord, Massachusetts. Paul once led a youth orchestra that often gathered nearby, which gave rise to the Spencer Brook Youth Orchestra and later the Spencer Brook Music Festival. The name honors the students, colleagues, and mentors who taught us to love everything about stringed instruments.