Your Teachers

StringSchool is fortunate to have some of the most inspiring, friendly and brilliant string teachers you'll find anywhere. Meet the team!

Marisol Craig Hillier is a music graduate of King's College London with extensive experience teaching learners of all ages and levels. She formerly managed ViolinSchool programs in London and has taught and performed for many years, including in schools in Dartford and Tonbridge. Marisol also worked at Stringers Violin Shop in London, where she developed expertise in supporting beginner violinists. A singer and guitarist as well as a violinist, she brings practical performance insights and a thoughtful, supportive teaching style that helps students take their playing to new heights.

Javier Montañana is a violinist from Valencia, Spain, who studied with Richard Deakin at the Royal Academy of Music in London and later with Sergey Ostrovsky at the Haute École de Musique in Geneva. He has performed as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral player across Spain, the UK, Switzerland, and Italy. In 2012 he co-founded the Cygnus Trio, performing at prestigious venues and festivals such as the Santander International Festival and Teatro Ponchieli in Cremona. The trio trained at the Accademia Walter Stauffer in Cremona and studied with members of the Quartetto di Cremona, Alfred Brendel, and the Jerusalem Quartet. Their album Impressions of Iberia (2024) features works by Turina, Arbós, and Ravel and received critical acclaim.

 

Andrew Samarasekara is a British violinist based in London, who recently completed his Master of Musical Arts degree at Yale University's School of Music, where he studied with Ani Kavafian. A prize-winner at the Fanny Mendelssohn and International Salzburg music competitions, Andrew has performed as a soloist and chamber musician at venues including Wigmore Hall, the Berlin Konzerthaus, the Franz Liszt Academy, and Yale's Morse Recital Hall. He has performed with the Dorking Philharmonia, Ipswich Philharmonic, and Orchestra Cameristi della Scala, and has appeared alongside artists including Shlomo Mintz, the Emerson Quartet, and the Doric Quartet. Andrew plays on a 1731 Nicolò Gagliano violin, on loan from a private benefactor.

 

Simon Hewitt Jones is a performer, teacher, writer, presenter, and producer. He performs widely in the UK with London Concertante, is Concertmaster of the Guildford Symphony Orchestra, violinist in the Berlin-based band House of Light, and guest leads various orchestras. Simon has recorded and performed with artists including Massive Attack, Ed Sheeran, and the late Sir John Tavener. He has received a BBC Premiere Award for chamber music, released an acclaimed solo recording, and broadcast extensively on TV and radio. An experienced educator, he has taught across all levels, from early years to SEND, and contributed to cultural programs in Palestine. Simon co-founded ViolinSchool (now StringSchool) and has served as a music consultant for major film and TV productions.