Our Showroom Team

Cecily McMahon-Pearce

Cecily holds a BMus in Performance from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, along with her L-Mus and A-Mus on violin and viola with distinction. She has toured internationally as an orchestral player, contributed to radio, television and studio album recordings, and worked as a string teacher in Sydney, Hong Kong and London.

In 2011, Cecily began working at a violin shop in central London. It was here that she discovered her passion for helping string players find their voice. Over the next twelve years, she immersed herself in the violin trade industry, cultivating relationships with international dealers, experts, and clients, and gaining extensive experience with rare and fine instruments.

Cecily returned to Sydney in 2022, joining the Sydney String Centre as Sales Manager and Fine Instrument Specialist. At SSC, she continues her love of nurturing the next generation of string players, and takes pride in bringing Australian musicians a thoughtfully curated selection of world-class instruments.

Lou Ortiz

Lou undertook his musical studies at the Hochschule für Musik und Darstellende Kunst in Vienna. Following his time in Austria, he spent twelve years in Spain, performing with various orchestras and teaching. An accomplished linguist, Lou is fluent in English, German, Spanish, and Tagalog.

In 2007, Lou relocated to Australia, teaching double bass and cello at the Orange Regional Conservatorium before moving into the music retail industry. Lou joined the Sydney String Centre in 2016, and throughout his time here has become widely respected for his genuine approach, deep expertise, and commitment to giving authentic, thoughtful advice.

Yoojin Choi

Yoojin is an accomplished violist and violinist whose musical journey began at the Sunhwa Arts School in Seoul, before completing her Bachelor of Music at Sookmyung Women’s University.

In 2002, she moved to Australia where she earned her Master’s degree from the Australian Institute of Music. Over the course of her career, Yoojin has performed and taught professionally across South Korea, the United States, and Australia. Her experience spans orchestral performance as well as on-screen in productions featuring renowned Korean pop artists.

Since joining the Sydney String Centre in 2022, Yoojin has been dedicated to helping string players, particularly violists, find their perfect fit. Beyond her work at SSC, she performs with the Ku-ring-gai Philharmonic Orchestra and enjoys playing casually with the NSW Doctors and Sydney Lawyers orchestras. She also runs her own private teaching studio, where she mentors students from beginner to advanced levels.

Josemir Valverde

Josemir is an award-winning composer and well-respected cellist. Originally from Brazil, he holds a PhD and master’s degrees in composition from UFRGS and a Bachelor’s degree in Composition and Conducting from the Federal University of Bahia. Some of Josemir’s accolades include, an Honorable Mention at the XXIII Presentation of Bahia Composers (2000), 1st Prize in the Eight Cellos in Concert Composition Competition (2000), 2nd Prize and the Audience Award at the National Composition Award Lindemberg Cardoso (2002), and many more. Josemir has also performed on cello with a number of South American symphony orchestras.

Now located in Sydney, Australia, Josemir works at a teaching studio with students ranging from beginner to advanced levels, and also runs online composition and music theory courses to share his expanse of knowledge and research.

Isabella Wilson

Isabella Wilson began learning violin at the age of four under the Suzuki method. In the years since, she has gone on to play with several youth orchestras around Sydney, and has also been lucky enough to tour with the Young Mannheim Symphonists program. Isabella has a special interest in Historically Informed Performance and enjoys delving into the world of gut strings and period instruments.

After completing a double degree at the University of Technology Sydney in Music and Sound Design, and Creative Intelligence and Innovation in 2025, Isabella is currently performing as a freelance musician around Sydney both orchestrally and with her indie-rock band!

Sergio Arias

Sergio is a Colombian cellist with a Bachelor’s degree in Music from the Universidad Industrial de Santander (UIS). He has performed with various orchestras and ensembles both in Colombia and Australia, and has several years of experience teaching cello to students of different ages and levels.

Sergio’s work is guided by a genuine love for music and a commitment to helping people connect with the right instrument for their needs. His background as both a performer and educator allows him to support customers with practical, informed guidance whether they are choosing their first violin or upgrading their cello.

Olivia Mulligan

Olivia started playing the violin at the age of six and has since completed AMEB Grade 8. Over the years, she has taught violin and performed with local symphony orchestras, ensembles, and quartets. She also enjoys learning the cello and viola whenever she can. Olivia has a genuine love for the violin and for helping customers find an instrument that brings them joy.

Alex Healey

Alex began his musical journey learning the piano at age 5. In primary school he then picked up the violin and was studying the two instruments in parallel. During high school he performed in a number of ensembles including Sydney Youth Orchestras, St Aloysius chamber and symphony orchestras, and also in a number of competitions. Alex is now completing a double degree in Commerce and Law at Macquarie University, and spends his time playing in their orchestra, as well as being an active member of several societies.

Alex joined the Sydney String Centre in 2022, as a member of the showroom, and now works across various departments to diversify his knowledge and experience in the music retail industry and create special and memorable experiences for players embarking on a lifelong journey.

Vanessa Ng

Vanessa began learning music at the age of 5 on the piano, and then picked up the violin a year later. She has completed her CMusA on both instruments and has played with a number of youth and community orchestras. Today she is attempting to learn a bigger violin…the cello!

Since joining the Sydney String Centre, Vanessa has enjoyed helping many aspiring people gain a passion for learning music and loves seeing the joy it brings to people’s lives.

Nasya

Nasya Lilananda is a classically-trained violinist from Indonesia, beginning her musical journey at age 5 on the piano and age 8 on the violin. In her professional and recreational endeavours, she brings her love for the arts and passion for life-long learning through music.

Nasya was titled ABRSM Violin Indonesian High Scorer for grades 4-8 (2016-2018), and has attended the Singapore Violin Festival and private masterclasses with teachers from conservatories around the world.

Sophie Gan

Sophie began playing the violin at the age of six and has been actively involved in orchestras and music programs since, including school ensembles, The Arts Unit orchestras, and the Sydney Youth Orchestra.

In high school, she transitioned to playing the viola, and now performs regularly with this as her main instrument. An aspiring luthier, Sophie has a strong interest in the craftsmanship behind string instruments. She is currently studying Mechanical Engineering at UTS, combining technical knowledge with her passion for music.

With a friendly and approachable manner, Sophie enjoys supporting musicians at all stages of their musical journey.