Born in Caltanissetta in 1875, he was the son of Giovanni Averna. Violin-making dictionaries report that he studied with his father and then perfected his skills in Rome with Giuseppe Rossi. He also lived in the United States for a period.
His violin making is typically Sicilian in style, with a taste naturally influenced by that in vogue in Naples at the same time. His models are usually quite broad with a generously proportioned eye on the scroll, simple varnish formulation, and brown-orange color.
