I grew up in Vermont, where I gained my love of music, woodworking, and the outdoors.  I started building musical instruments at around age ten.  I built my first mandolin while in high school.  I have been a student of traditional woodworking since I was very young, and I still do much of my work with hand tools in the tradition of violinmakers. In addition to mandolin-family instruments, I have built dulcimers, banjos, drums, and electric violins.  The instruments that I play most are mandolin, fiddle, Irish flute, and tinwhistle.

I have a bachelors degree in geology from Middlebury College, and a masters degree in physical geography from the University of Oregon. My science background has been a tremendous aid in coming to understand the mechanics of musical instruments, and for me the convergence of art and science is one of the draws of luthiery. I use a scientific approach to documenting existing great-sounding instruments, and this study has vastly influenced my own work.

I continue to have a love for the outdoors, and  I enjoy telemark skiing, fly fishing, photography, and other outdoor activities.  I live with my lovely wife Sarah, our new baby boy Will Langille Mowry (born 6/27/07), our golden retriever Sophie who helps heat the shop in the winter (summer too), and Gus the cat.