Her Story
About Mariana
Mariana Green-Hill is an accomplished music educator, violinist, and creative leader with more than 20 years of experience in music education and performance. She serves as Executive and Music Director of Four Strings Academy, a music program she has led for two decades, and as a String Coordinator at Boston Arts Academy. Through her work, she teaches students at different levels, develops string chamber orchestra programs, and provides private instruction to learners from early childhood through adulthood.
Mariana has also built a significant connection with Project STEP, where she previously served as Artistic Director and currently works as an Artistic Advisor and Teacher. In this role, she supports curriculum development, student growth, and artistic programming while mentoring young musicians. Her educational philosophy centers on recognizing each student's individual needs, connecting music from the past and present, and encouraging students to overcome self-imposed limitations.
Mariana's professional foundation includes advanced training in violin performance from Mannes College of Music, where she earned an Artist Diploma, and The Juilliard School, where she completed a master's degree in Violin Performance. Earlier in her development, she attended Walnut Hill School for the Arts and gained performance opportunities alongside distinguished musicians. She attributes her professional growth to her faith and the guidance of mentors, while emphasizing humility, reliability, and a commitment to treating every day as an opportunity to learn, grow, and perform at one's best.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Mariana
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my Father in Heaven, because it's not me. Anything that I have comes from him and his blessings. I've been blessed in so many ways by so many people and covered by just the right people. We are the vessels or the vehicles that bless other people. I feel like if something is meant for me, there's nothing that can stop it. I've been blessed with the ability to stay optimistic and understand best intentions. Believing in if this is not meant for me at this time, then there's another way and I will be led to that path.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is to stay humble and to play each day like it can be your last. This was from Pamela Frank. She said you never know what day is going to be your last performing or playing. So play each day like it can be your last. When she said that to me it hits differently because things were happening in my life personally and you don't know what can happen to anyone at any time. What you love to do is also not promised.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Stay true to self. Understand that self is going to evolve and change. Be genuine to yourself, do not settle for selling yourself short. See beyond just the right now because people are constantly just thinking about right now and not thinking about the ramifications or the consequences. Be thoughtful about the consequences of your actions. Be transparent about your past so that people can trust you. Give yourself grace to understand that you are learning.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in the arts industry is staying relevant while remaining true to myself. I believe personal growth and evolution are natural, but it is important to stay authentic and consider the long-term impact of my decisions rather than focusing only on immediate gains. I also value transparency about my past because it helps build trust and stronger relationships. Ultimately, I believe success is measured not only by achievements but also by the meaningful relationships I build and how I treat others along the way.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Being reliable as a contractor. Your demeanor and how you are acting matters because teachers are always watching. If we get called for a gig or opportunity, who are we going to call based on how you act and how you perform. Our names are also on the line when we get called. Every day is an audition and if people can't feel like they can rely on you then you don't get the calls that you should.
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