Let’s Learn Together.

I enjoy working with enthusiastic young violists!

Let’s get in touch about a free introductory call, and if this seems like a good fit, schedule a trial lesson.

Philosophy:

I am passionate about helping you reach your goals, whether you are a student or a parent. As a student, those goals may be to improve so you're able to play a bucket list piece, attend Allstate, summer festivals, or prepare for college auditions. As a parent, your goals may be to introduce your child to the rich and immersive world of music, a gift that lasts their entire life, or for them to have a space outside of formal school and group-structured learning to develop critical thinking, problem solving, frustration mitigation, and self-esteem. Music is an ideal medium to explore how we learn best. I can help you learn, whether you're starting an instrument for the first time, or changing teachers so you have the support, guidance and connections to pursue higher-level playing and opportunities. We all use goals, big and small, as a vehicle towards progress and self-fulfillment.   

Access to high quality performances and music education is a basic human right. Creating music that is a part of community healing is deeply important to me. In Moshi, Tanzania I taught violin to help bring awareness and value to the endangered Mpingo tree, and in Knoxville, Tennessee I gave private lessons at the Joy of Music School to children who qualified for lunch discounts. Now I teach at the Harmony Project Kansas City, a non-profit that uses music mentorship as a path to college. I believe that diversity grows when paradigmal norms are broken, and I strive to create a teaching portfolio that reflects that belief.

My teaching process stems from experience and intuition, and allows me to work with you to develop a technique that fosters longevity and supports inner expressivity. My teaching is tailored to the individual student, resulting in healthy, balanced musicians. My teaching philosophy is rooted in seeing you, the student, as a whole person. This allows lessons to be taught using your best learning styles, fostering self-expression and musicality from the beginning, and supporting you in all aspects of playing an instrument.

As an active performer, part of what I love about music is that one never stops learning. A committed lifelong learner myself, I hope to inspire you with the same curiosity and passion for learning that I have. In the performing arts, I believe that the performances are a critical part of the learning process, for all of us as musicians.

In addition to fostering young violists at my home studio in Brookside, I currently teach advanced viola and chamber music at the non-profit Harmony Project KC at the Northeast Community Center, as well as at the Kansas City Suzuki Academy.

Testimonials

  • “Supportive, knowledgeable, and inspiring. Shelley knows how to teach advanced playing techniques, and is realistic about how we approach learning.”

    — Patricia, Adult, Albuquerque NM

  • “Shelley is a thoughtful, empathetic and charismatic musician who demands excellence and provides the tools with which to grow.”

    Domenic Salerni, Violinist Attacca Quartet, New York NY

  • “We are so thankful! Shelley does everything in her power so that my daughter succeeds. She challenges her and equips her with recources to expand her knowledge and love for music. My daughter has grown leaps and bounds under Shelley’s instruction. ”

    — Melanie, parent

  • Shelley’s instruction and guidance has been just what my son needed to prepare for and navigate college auditions. She is an enthusiastic, sincere and engaged teacher who taps into students energy and passion while being honest about what they need to achieve their best.

    -Micah, Parent, Lawrence KS

  • “Ms. Shelley is the best! She teaches with passion and deeply cares about my success as a musician. Ms. Shelley has given me insight into practicing, and I have grown so much as a result.

    • London, Student, 17

Background:

I started my viola journey in a Suzuki studio in Santa Fe, NM. I am grateful for my supportive and enthusiastic mom, who introduced me to the world of classical music. Some of my most formative musical experiences as a student happened at summer festivals focusing on chamber music. I was lucky enough to immerse myself in music at programs including the Interlochen Arts Camp, California Summer Music, and the Bowdoin Chamber Music Festival.

My Bachelor of Music in Viola Performance is from the Jacobs School of Music, Indiana University, where I was privileged to study with Stephen Wyrczynski. I received a Master’s of Music in Viola Performance from the University of Tennessee, where I was a Teaching Assistant and Violist of the Graduate Quartet. After graduating, I pursued Suzuki Certification from author, teacher, and developmental psychologist Dr. Edward Sprunger. Pedagogical influences include Karen Tuttle, Stephen Wyrczynski, Mimi Zweig, and Paul Rolland. I am grateful for the lessons each and every student has taught me throughout my years of teaching.

Outside of my life in music, I maintain a daily yoga practice, and enjoy long walks with my dog, spending time with friends, and gardening.