Welcoming Sarah Machemer
VERMONT VIOLINS NEWSROOM – Vermont Violins is thrilled to welcome Sarah Machemer to our family as the new Retail Manager for our South Burlington showroom. Bringing two decades of specialty retail leadership, an advanced degree in organizational management, and firsthand experience raising four school musicians, Sarah brings a rare blend of operational expertise and deep, personal understanding to our community across the Lake Champlain region.
Twenty Years of Specialty Retail Leadership
Sarah built a distinguished 20-year career in specialty fine retail management, leading high-touch customer environments where service, product curation, and experience intersect. Most recently, she managed the Burlington location for famed fine glassware maker Simon Pearce.
Pairing two decades of retail leadership with a Graduate Degree in Organizational Leadership, Sarah understands how thoughtful service and attentive listening transform a shop visit into a meaningful, supportive relationship. Her favorite aspect of specialty retail has always been the opportunity to connect with the people who walk through the door, creating a welcoming, low-pressure environment where every visitor feels guided and heard.
Understanding the Journey from "The Other Side of the Counter"
Beyond her professional resume, Sarah offers something invaluable to families visiting our showroom: she has lived the parent’s journey herself.
Sarah and her husband, Chris, relocated to Vermont in the summer of 2021 as empty nesters. Together, they raised four children who all participated actively in their school music programs:
Two string players and two woodwind players.
Their youngest two children earned college degrees in Music Performance and are currently pursuing active professional careers in their fields.
Having navigated the path from early beginner squeaks to conservatory audition boards, Sarah knows exactly what it feels like to stand on the parent’s side of the counter. Whether guiding a parent through their child's very first rental fitting or helping an advancing student transition to a conservatory-ready setup, she approaches every family with genuine empathy, patience, and warmth.
Life Beyond the Showroom
When Sarah isn’t in the South Burlington shop talking violins and supporting local players, she is steeped in the creative world of fiber arts. An avid home crafter, she spends much of her free time in her sewing room designing and piecing quilts. You can also regularly spot her and Chris out exploring local Vermont walking trails alongside their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Mr. Darcy.
Sarah’s warm, upbeat presence and commitment to thoughtful service make her a wonderful fit for our team and our players. Please stop by our South Burlington showroom during your next visit to say hello and give Sarah a warm Vermont Violins welcome!
Plan Your Visit to South Burlington
Whether you need assistance with an instrument trial, size exchange, or outfit fitting, Sarah and our team are here to guide you. Visit our South Burlington showroom or contact us online to set up an appointment.
*This article was released by Vermont Violins on October 12, 2026. For media inquiries, product information access, or scheduling availability regarding our imported instrument collections, contact us directly at info@vermontviolins.com* or text us at 802 648 6371