Samantha Cortez - Luthier & Owner

Raised in Melville, NY. Samantha started studying cello at the age of 10. Samantha started her training at the age of 15 as a workshop assistant. She found that her passion of fine bowed instruments and her talent in woodworking went hand in hand and found her passion in violin making and restoration. Samantha began restorations and repairs on bows along with fine antique instruments. She studied under American master luthier Charles Rufino and Hungarian luthier Endre Fischer at the Long Island Violin Shop. In 2010 Samantha continued her studies with other master makers at Oberlin College, University of New Hampshire, Mohr and Mohr Bows, Master luthier Carrie Scoggins, and The Violin Making School of America. While attending the Violin Making School of America Samantha offered her skills in bow work and taught workshops in bow maintenance and restoration. While attending the Violin Making School of America, Samantha also worked at Summerhays Music as a luthier and bow specialist. She would work with students to professional on restorations and maintenance as well as working with teachers and their studios. Samantha still offers instrument workshops and consultations at the Texas Violin Shop.

Estefan Cortez -Sales, Education & Owner

Raised in Patchogue NY., Estefan started playing cello at the age of 10. He quickly fell in love with the instrument and excelled in his musical studies. He attended the College of Saint Rose and earned a degree in Music Education specializing in bowed string instruments. Shortly after graduating college he started a very successful music program for master luthier Charles Rufino in NY. Estefan quickly made a name for himself as a teacher and violin dealer. He was selling fine instruments at conservatories, universities, and orchestras throughout New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. While doing all of this Estefan and Samantha fell in love at The Long Island Violin Shop and decided to start their own journey together. A few years later Estefan and Samantha moved to Salt Lake City. Estefan worked for Summerhays Music and ran the biggest professional strings department in the state of Utah and other neighboring states. After 5 years of setting sales records and several notable sales Estefan and Samantha are starting their new chapter of life and growing their family.

Crisann Moon- Office Manager

Crisann grew up in Universal City and loves her hometown. Crisann took piano lessons and music theory growing up and continues to play many years later. After looking for a cello instructor, Crisann began lessons with Estefan in 2024 and joined the Texas Violin Shop team in May 2025. Crisann enjoys spending time with her husband and kids and spoiling her cats and dog in her free time.

Texas Violin Shop Teachers

Tal Spackman

Tal Spackman first taught violin and viola during high school, but then foolishly went to college and attempted to get a "real job". After realizing real jobs are for chumps, he moved to San Antonio in 2014 and began teaching again. He became a customer of the Texas Violin Shop early on and has taught with them since 2025. He currently plays fiddle with the band Righteous Intonation, and previously played with Terry Cavanagh and Alpine Express from New Braunfels. He teaches classical piano and violin and several fiddle styles including bluegrass, old time, and Texas swing. In his free time he likes reading (ask him what he's reading now!), cooking, and napping.

Florian Love 

Florian is an active music educator and performer in the San Antonio area. He completed his Bachelor's of Music Education with a distinction in violin performance from the University of Texas at San Antonio and is currently pursuing his Masters in Violin Performance Pedagogy. Florian is currently the orchestra director at Vale and Rayburn Middle Schools in Northside ISD. He currently performs with Symphony Viva and in a variety of freelance gigs in the San Antonio area. Florian enjoys performing, teaching, composing, and arranging music from diverse styles and genres ranging from traditional to experimental. He currently serves on the boards of both Agarita Chamber Players and SAPOWR (San Antonio Parents of Orchestras Who Rock) where he focuses on advocacy for equitable string pedagogy and accessible, high caliber performances for the diverse communities of the San Antonio area.