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.
Lianne Elkanah - Luthier
Lianne began her luthiery education at age 17, studying as an apprentice with award-winning violin maker Christopher Sandvoss. She now has over 10 years of experience in the field of violin luthiery.
Lianne’s first experience with music was learning the piano at age 12. When she started working with Christopher, she decided to also learn the violin. She quickly gave up playing the violin in favour of making and repairing them, where she felt her talent was far better directed. Lianne has crafted three violins, two violas, and a cello.
Lianne has completed a photography certificate from SAIT and continues to be involved in youth outreach programs.
In her spare time, Lianne’s dog, Zoey, takes her for frequent walks. Lianne also enjoys cooking, hobby craft, and watching movies.
