Wellington
Violin Lessons | Viola Lessons | Ensemble Coaching, Theory Lessons, Online Lessons
Bio
Shelley has recently established her teaching studio back in Wellington, teaching violin and viola. As well as teaching at Queen Margaret College and her home studio, Shelley is an assisting violin teacher for Arohanui Strings – Sistema Hutt Valley, an inspiring and worthwhile music programme which is part of a global and visionary movement to transform the lives of children through music.
Before this she was teaching violin in Auckland for 8 years, primarily at St Cuthbert’s College, Diocesan School and St Mary’s College. Prior to that she had a well established studio in Wellington and Nelson.
Shelley has balanced her professional life between being this teacher, a performer (playing in the Australian Baroque Orchestra in Sydney for over 10 years and as a member of several chamber groups touring for CMNZ), an adjudicator (for CMNZ School Music Contests, various district competitions & scholarships and, more recently, KBB Festivals for Auckland’s secondary school orchestras) and a chamber music tutor/coach.
But it’s the teaching work that is the most important and rewarding part of her career.
Teaching Info
I am a successful and long standing teacher with a wealth of professional experience to share with my pupils. I enjoy teaching all ages, my record so far is from 4 years old to 84, and at all levels, beginners up to University level.
My lessons focus on a good balance of technical work and musicianship.
I am very happy to start a student from the beginning, I can also step in mid-education to guide them through their grade exams or help them enjoy playing their instrument again after a break. This newly found enjoyment can range from playing in a local orchestra to simply playing in the privacy of their own home.
Lesson duration is a minimum of 30 minutes, but the length of lessons is negotiable and subject to the needs of each student.
I currently have a couple of vacancies to fill (term 3 2020) and offer an introductory lesson which is free of charge if you do not wish to continue. So don’t miss out!
Sara: “Shelley’s fun, she has fun ways to show me what she means.” Nikki: “Shelley’s a really patient and effective teacher, sensitive to my daughter’s own rate of development and personality. She encourages musicality through a sound technique, helping Sara to feel as one with her instrument, using all of her senses to achieve quality of sound.”
Sara 9 & her mum, Nikki
Shelley taught me when I was in my 40s and hadn't played since I was a kid. After a couple of years of lessons with her I brushed up my technique to a high enough level to play in a number of orchestras in Auckland and Wellington. And that's thanks to Shelley. A wonderful teacher and a lovely person. Couldn't recommend her more highly.
Charlie 40 something
Shelley is a teacher that goes the extra mile for her students in everything she does. Her patience as a teacher is tempered with the ability to quickly identify any underlying issues in your playing that might unknowingly be holding you back. With her guidance on 'smart' practice and musicality, you will quickly improve.
