top of page

Private Violin & String Lessons​

​

Violin

Viola

Cello

Composition

Music Theory

​

In-person in North Sandwich, NH

Online lessons available

Travel to your location (travel fees apply)

Inquire for more details​​

Teaching Philosophy

​

With over 20 years of teaching and performing experience, my approach integrates

in-depth technical understanding, body awareness, critical listening, musical intention,

and theoretical understanding as a unified artistic discipline.

​

In lessons, we develop:

​

  • Efficient, healthy technical coordination

  • Awareness of posture and balanced movement

  • Intentional tone and expressive phrasing

  • Practical integration of music theory into interpretation

  • Independent, reflective practice habits

​

A central principle of my teaching is that the student learns to assess their needs in order to 'become their own teacher'. Rather than prescribing every decision, I model how technical and musical choices are made so students

learn to think critically, solve problems independently, and perform with confidence.

​

Music theory; including harmony, form, ear-training, and compositional structure are treated as essential tools

— not separate subjects — so students grow as complete, thinking musicians.

Lesson Structure

 

Lessons are offered in weekly reserved time slots.

​

Options include:

​

30-minute lessons

45-minute lessons

60-minute lessons

​

Online lessons are available for students outside the local area.

​

Consistency is essential for musical growth.

Students are enrolled on a monthly or semester basis.

​

​

Tuition & Enrollment

Tuition reflects not only lesson time, but also preparation,

curriculum development, communication, and long-term artistic mentorship.

​

Payment options include:

​

  • Monthly tuition (paid at the beginning of each month)

  • Semester plan (15 lessons + 1 complimentary lesson)

  • Limited pay-per-lesson availability

  • I am also an EFA certified vendor with the State of New Hampshire

​​

Tuition secures a reserved weekly time slot.

For current rates and availability, please inquire directly.

Attendance, Cancellations, and Make-up Policy

Your lesson time is reserved exclusively for you.

​

  • Tuition reserves a weekly lesson time.

  • Missed lessons by the student are not refunded.

  • If the teacher must cancel, a make-up lesson will be provided.

  • Students may request a make-up for illness if schedule space allows, but it is not guaranteed.

Practice Expectations

Progress depends on consistent and mindful practice.

​

Students are expected to practice regularly (typically 4–7 days per week, depending on age and level).

​

Parents play an essential role in supporting younger students.

​

Students who do not practice consistently may be asked to reconsider enrollment, as lessons function best when there is shared commitment.

​

​

Performance & Growth Opportunities

 

Students are encouraged to participate in:

  • Studio recitals

  • Community performances

  • Chamber music

  • Local orchestras and ensembles

  • Creative composition projects

​

Music education should be alive and participatory. Performance builds resilience, focus, and artistry. I collaborate with other local music teachers to create performance opportunities. The studio has two student recitals per year.

Testimonials

“His knowledge of music theory, incredible teaching skill, and his own mastery of the violin have helped make our daughter a wonderful violinist who is excelling in her youth orchestra.”

-Rachel Hoffman

​

“He is a great teacher -- very knowledgeable with an encouraging way of helping a person increase in their skills and abilities with the violin -- I would highly recommend!”

-Chloe Whitaker

“Shelby is an icon of professionalism, measured in conversation and patience. His ability to teach technique and physical movement was revolutionary to me. He is always passionate about teaching every level of the process. Greatest teacher ever!”

-Judith Ward

Begin Your Musical Study

 

If you are interested in beginning lessons, please reach out with:

​

Student name and age

Instrument

Previous experience (if any)

Preferred lesson length

​

I look forward to working with dedicated students who are

ready to embark on their musical development.

​

(603) 800-3690
shelbytrevor@gmail.com

Educational Video Series

Free videos for anyone to learn! New content is being created every week, so subscribe to YouTube to stay posted!

bottom of page