World’s Smallest Violin Shop

St. Michael local, Pete Sargent, 77 is the owner of the World’s Smallest Violin Shop. Pete has been playing violin since he was 12 years old. He learned from his grandfather, who played violin with the Minneapolis Symphony and used to own the violin shop. Sargent spent a lot of time with his grandparents and was raised by them. He credits a lot of what he knows about violins to his grandfather. His mother inspired him to be involved in music; his mom made sure he and his siblings had the best music teachers.

Sargent was born in Redwing and grew up in northeast Minneapolis. He grew up with three siblings, who also played instruments growing up. He is the only one who stuck with his instrument into adulthood. When he was a child, one of his hobbies was boxing; he was a talented boxer. Sargent stated he didn’t truly enjoy boxing; he did not want to fight. He eventually gave up boxing and started playing violin instead. His grandfather passed away in 1952, and never got to see Sargent play.

In 1971, Sargent started his apprenticeship. After his apprenticeship, he worked on violins part time until 2007, when he retired from his full-time job. Sargent went to college for engineering and business. He always got perfect grades in school. He credits that to being one of the hardest workers.

 Sargent ran construction companies for 30 years. While living in Blaine, Minnesota, he and his family built and designed a home together. He stated it was a special experience having his family involved and working on it together.

Once retired in 2007, he began working on violins and teaching lessons full time. Sargent stated, “I make violins because I love to, I fix them because I have to.” Sargent makes violins essentially the same way they were made 300 years ago. He also stated he will never revarnish another violinist’s instrument. He said, “All good violin makers know that.”

Sargent played violin in the youth symphony when he first started. From there, he has played with the St. Anthony Civic Orchestra and most recently was asked to play with Minnesota Orchestra- Fantasy Camp. As of right now, he turned down that offer. He stated that he would rather give the younger violinists who have gone to school for music a chance to shine.

The violin shop is located on Beebe Lake in St. Michael. Sargent always has about 150 violins made and ready to sell. He also has a variety of vintage and unique violins. He still has some of his grandfather’s collection in his shop. Sargent will also work on violas and cellos, occasionally as well. He has customers from all over the world, including Australia, North Korea, and Vietnam. Sargent stated although he doesn’t necessarily like countries such as North Korea or Vietnam, that “All people can help each other.” Sargent’s biggest income comes from overseas. He has sold 187 violins this year.

Sargent has been teaching violin for around 50 years. He considers it more of a mentorship, than teaching. He has students as old as 85 years old, and as young as eight years old. He stated he typically won’t teach students younger than eight years old. Sargent has seen many of his students or mentees perform. He most recently went to a local performance in Buffalo. He has traveled to see performances as well. Sargent also works with St. Michael- Albertville Schools and Buffalo Schools.

Sargent has formed a lot of relationships and met many people through his shop. He has met famous violinists and people of all ages and backgrounds. He used to collaborate with a person from Madison, Wisconsin, until they passed away. Sargent had one client come into the shop in 2019 before COVID hit and ended up doing a trade for a new violin. When he asked about the violin the customer was trading in, the customer stated it was a violin Sargent made for them in 1981.

Pete Sargent is a person who values family, hard work and honesty. All those values are reflected in his work. Although Sargent owns “The World’s Smallest Violin Shop,” he has proven to be successful and has become well known for quality work and expert knowledge.