Evergreen Workshop

Music has always been a powerful, calming and uniting force in the world. During the pandemic, many have turned to music for comfort, entertainment and companionship. Thanks to Evergreen Workshop, a full service violin shop located at 11872 Canon Boulevard (Suite J) in Newport News, novice to experienced musicians can find the supplies they need to create their own musical masterpieces.

Richard Allen opened Evergreen Workshop in Newport News in 2016. After graduating from high school, Richard attended The Apprentice School at Newport News Shipbuilding, going on to work as a machinist for the next 20 years at a major company in Richmond. After a successful career, Richard decided to combine his skills as a machinist with his love of music and began making handcrafted guitars. As he learned more about various musical instruments, the violin piqued his interest and he decided to attend Boston’s North Bennett Street School of Violin Making, one of only three major violin schools in the country. After graduating from the program, Richard spent 15 years working in violin shops across the country, being mentored by master violin makers. He opened Evergreen Workshop in in Maryland in 2010 and, six years later, decided to move back to his hometown to continue his entrepreneurial pursuits.

Musicians can come to Evergreen Workshop to purchase fine stringed instruments, including violins, violas, cellos and the double bass. They also offer a large variety of accessories such as sheet music, amplifiers, metronomes, chinrests, shoulder rests, tuners, pickups and music stands. Evergreen also offers a comprehensive set-up and repair service. Instrument rentals are available and Richard proudly connects customers to local music teachers.

To learn more about Evergreen Workshop, visit Evergreenviolin.com.