Four-year GAL member Derek Porter began his exploration into lutherie with the construction of a gourd banjo, and shortly thereafter spent two years studying at West Dean College in southern Britain. There he gained a deep appreciation for the art and the many facets of design which contribute to it. He continues to build a variety of instruments including guitars and viola da gambas while spending a good deal of time in the repair and restoration field of orchestral instruments. Currently, Derek is establishing a methodology for instrument design based on human measurements which he hopes to publish soon.

▪ bio current as of 2024