Georgi Shumanov

G. Shumanov owns a violin shop in Bulgaria. In 1989 he visited the USA and opened an agency that represented his shop in Los Angeles. His customers were prominent violin shops in the Los Angeles area to which he sold his instruments, as well as accessories made by well-known Bulgarian violinmakers. In 1994, his family members: Antoaneta, Petio, and Plamen began their studies at the Chicago School of Violin Making. Later, Georgi and his family founded Classic Violins in Chicago where his whole family is working now. In his violin shop in Bulgaria, Georgi supervises ten other violinmakers. They make individual instruments as well as prepare high quality instruments for Classic Violins rental program. The individually made instruments in Georgi's Bulgarian violin workshop are crafted according to the specifications and requirements of the Chicago School of Violin Making.

Petio Kostov

He majored in electronic engineering and later on studied violin making under the tutelage of Vladimir Naidenov, one of the best known violin makers in Bulgaria. Petio came to the United States in 1994 to continue his education at the Chicago School of Violin Making. He graduated in 1997 and was offered employment at the school where he worked as an instructor for three years. Petio taught 2nd and 3rd year students helping them refine their skills in string instrument building, varnishing, and repair. In 2000 Petio decided to leave the school and open a shop with his father-in-law and brother-in-law. Petio is a master cello maker, whose instruments have been purchased by promising and distinguished young musicians.

Plamen Chavdarov

Plamen earned a B.S. degree in mechanical engineering in Bulgaria. He decided to change his career and came to the U.S. in 1995 to get training in the profession that had turned into a family business. Plamen commenced his studies at the Chicago School of Violin Making in August 1995 and graduated in December 1998. During that time he gained invaluable experience working in several Chicago based violin shops some of which are A440 and Austin’s Violin Shop. Plamen makes violins, violas and cellos and his instruments are well-known among the serious string players. After graduating from CSVM he became one of the co-owners of Classic Violins where he contributes with his expert repairs/restorations and tonal adjustments.

Antoaneta Kostova

Antoaneta, like the other family members, was born and grew up in Bulgaria. She studied electronic engineering and later decided to join her husband, Petio, in the violin making profession. She was admitted to the CSVM in 1994 where she completed 3 semesters. At Classic Violins, she specializes in bow rehair and repair and her excellent work is well-known throughout violin shops in the United States. She is the office manager and her responsibilities also include customer service, inventory maintenance, and accounts receivable.

Stephanie Shumanova

Stephanie Shumanova is the store manager. She holds an MA degree in English Philology from Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridsky” and an MA degree in Linguistics from Northeastern Illinois University. Her experience includes working in the string/band rental department at Karnes Music, administrative assistant for Tschu Ho Lee at the Chicago School of Violin Making, full-time instructor of linguistics at Northeastern Illinois University, and ESL instructor at the College of Lake County. Her responsibilities at Classic Violins include advertising and marketing, new accounts recruitment, and school servicing.