Born in Sault Ste. Marie, Canada in 1961, Raymond Schryer has been passionate about violins for over 30 years. Along with his classical studies Raymond became adept at fiddling and in his competition years he won 'Hors Concours' for three major competitions. Raymond studied violin performance at the University of Western Ontario and now enjoys arranging traditional fiddle tunes and playing in the Community Orchestra.

 At the age of fourteen, Raymond studied violin making with his uncle Fernand Schryer in Quebec for four years. He went on to apprentice for three years at the violin shop of Geo. Heinl & Co. in Toronto. 

 In violinmaking competitions Raymond has consistently improved his standing. He is a leader in his field, having been recognized with gold medal wins internationally. The pinnacle of his career to date is the Gold Medal win for Cello in October 2003 at the Triennale Internazionale in Cremona, Italy. Again, in 2009, at the XII Triennale Internazionale in Cremona, Italy Raymond was awarded Silver Medal for his violin.

 Raymond has been an active member of several professional organizations: Entente Internationale des Maitres Luthiers et Archetiers D'Arts, a long time member of the Oberlin Group of Violin Makers and the American Federation of Violin and Bow Makers. Raymond's passion for making has led him to research many aspects of violinmaking.  He was one of eight makers collaborating with musicians at the first Amiata Summit held in Tuscany in 2004.