I'm Justin Montefiore and I am an Australian Luthier. Over the years I've made and developed many instruments, including various models of guitars and harps, but I have a passion for an unusual and little-known instrument called the Modern Lyre. I made my first lyre more than a decade ago and have never stopped developing the design and range of the instrument. It is a resonant, sculptural, beautiful instrument used in music therapy applications as well as performance in it's own right. My current models (soprano and alto) are the most refined and successful lyres to date. The instruments as well as my design and processes are fine tuned and immaculate and it will be with great pride that I present them to the international community of lyre players at this year's International Lyre Conference in Detroit. First I need to raise funds to get there! The Lyre Association of North America has recognised the merit of my work to the extent that they have agreed to host my luthier display free of charge as well as waive the cost of food and accommodation while I'm there, as well as $670 towards the cost of the flight. This Campaign is all about raising the balance of funds required to get to Detroit for Conference and putting my instruments in the hands of the world's best players. If you can help me out I'd be so grateful and check out the rewards I'm offering. Beautiful designs, hand crafted, guaranteed delivery before Christmas this year :)

I already have $670 allocated by the Lyre Association of North America to help pay for the flight

The extra $1650 will get me there (and back!)

If I am fortunate enough to receive extra funds I'd love to put that towards making a CD of accomplished players recording my instruments....If this comes to pass, I'll keep all my interested backers informed.