Meet the Staff at V.A. Hill Fine Strings Ltd.: Calgary’s Preferred Musical Instrument Store

At Calgary’s V.A. Hill Fine Strings Ltd., we are proud of our professional, fully qualified staff and in-house luthiers. Our musical instrument store is a hub for Calgary musicians.

Curious about what our customers have to say? Visit our testimonial page to hear about their experiences and discover why musicians love our string instruments. We invite you to drop by the shop to visit us in person!

Vickie Hill - Owner

Vickie's violin career began in 1985 by assisting in violin and bow repairs in the family's workshop in their backyard garage. As time and her knowledge progressed, she became involved in customer service, bookkeeping, and inventory control. She eventually gave up a 23-year insurance career to take a full-time interest in the violin trade. What started as a hobby to Vickie became V.A. Hill Fine Strings Ltd., Calgary's largest and best-selected violin shop.

Vickie's extensive knowledge of violin construction and restoration and her dedication to precise set-up and repair techniques provide the basis for her demands of excellence in shop standards. With this knowledge, Vickie has hand-picked only the most skilled professionals who share or exceed her vision.

Vickie enjoys hobby crafts, gardening, and the wild critters in her backyard.

Stephanie Hill - Sales Manager

Stephanie comes from a military family and calls Victoria, BC, her hometown. Throughout junior and senior high school, Stephanie was involved in various music endeavours involving clarinet, percussion ensemble, and vocal jazz. She served as Concert Mistress for the final two years of high school. Stephanie earned her Legal Secretary Honours Diploma with a 4.0 GPA. and has taken two years of a psychology degree, which she hopes to complete in the future. Stephanie has taken charge of numerous managerial tasks at our shop, including bookkeeping and website maintenance.

Her administrative and customer service skills and music background make her a valuable asset to V.A. Hill Fine Strings Ltd. It is the intent that when Vickie retires (a few years from now), the business will remain in the family and Stephanie, her daughter-in-law, will take over as General Manager.

Velik Hobbe - Sales/ Customer Service

Velik grew up in a musical family in France. He began playing the cello at age 4, and at age 12 was accepted into the National Conservatory of France, where he studied until moving to Canada in 2010. In addition to playing with various orchestras and chamber groups as a cellist, Velik also enjoys playing piano. He is passionate about most genres of music, including classical, jazz, fiddle, classic country, and classic rock.

Velik enjoys forming strong customer relationships. His years of experience in music have helped him work with teachers, students, and professionals alike. He finds great satisfaction in helping them choose the right instrument, bow, and accessories. His trained ear and genuine enthusiasm are among the assets he brings to our shop.

Velik can be found at his cabin in Jaffray, BC, whenever time permits.

Kristof Sokulski - Sales/ Customer Service

Eric MacDonald - Sales/ Customer Service

Luke Sandham - Luthier

Andrew Scholz - Luthier