Violin Lessons By Shiree

⭐ STUDENT SPOTLIGHT ⭐
Today I'd like to celebrate Xavier.
Every teacher dreams of having students like him.
Xavier is one of those rare students who is always willing to jump in and give something a try—even when it's challenging, unusual, or completely outside the box.
Need someone to play a Navy Song duet at a recital? Xavier is in.
Need a Jingle Bells soloist for the Christmas recital? Xavier is ready.
Need someone to tackle a difficult new piece or a crazy idea that Ms. Shiree (or her son 😄) comes up with? Xavier will give it his best shot.
One of the things I appreciate most about Xavier is his willingness to simply say, "Sure, I'll try."
That attitude is worth so much more than talent alone.
In fact, Xavier's willingness to help extends beyond music. When a minor surgery left me unable to build a raised garden bed at the studio myself, Xavier came over and helped make it happen.
That kind of kindness, work ethic, and servant's heart says a lot about the person he is becoming.
As teachers, we love seeing students grow as musicians. But it's even more rewarding to watch them grow into responsible, hardworking, and caring young adults.
Xavier, thank you for always being willing to jump in, help out, and take on whatever challenge comes your way. I'm proud of the musician you've become, but I'm even more proud of the young man you're becoming.
Leave Xavier some encouragement below! 🎻❤️

(Photos starting violin in 2017, first recital 2019, christmas big event in 2019, navy duet in 2024 and Christmas 2025 and finally recital 2026)

🎻 MUSIC FACT FRIDAY 🎻
Did you know?
The world's most famous violins were made over 300 years ago by Antonio Stradivari.
Many professional musicians still perform on instruments he built in the 1700s!
Imagine practicing on an instrument older than the United States. 🇺🇸
What's the oldest thing in your house? 😄
Can you guess what year Ms. Shiree's violin was made?

🎻 THROWBACK THURSDAY 🎻
Since recital season is behind us, I thought I'd share a little piece of violin history...
This was me in junior high orchestra around 1993. 😳
Yes, the oversized flannel shirt was fashionable.
Yes, those jeans were cool.
And yes, I was probably just as awkward as every middle school orchestra student you've ever met. 😂
What I love about this picture is that it reminds me that every musician starts somewhere.
Nobody starts out playing beautiful concertos.
Nobody starts out with perfect posture, perfect intonation, or perfect confidence.
We all begin as beginners.
Looking at this photo, I could never have imagined that one day I would be teaching violin lessons, directing recitals, and helping young musicians discover a love for music of their own.
So to all my students:
Keep showing up.
Keep practicing.
Keep learning.
You never know where your musical journey might take you.
And now for the important question...
What was YOUR most memorable fashion choice from the 90s? 😆
Bonus points if you have photographic evidence!

⭐ STUDENT SPOTLIGHT ⭐
Today I'm celebrating Juniper!
One thing I love about teaching this student is her willingness to keep trying even when something feels challenging.
Learning an instrument isn't about being perfect. It's about growing one small step at a time. (Pictured recital 2020 to recital 2026!)
Leave her some encouragement below! 🎻❤️

Did you know?

Researchers have found that students who study music often develop greater perseverance and patience.

Why?

Because learning an instrument teaches a valuable life lesson:

You won't be good at something immediately—and that's okay.

Every beautiful performance begins with squeaky notes, missed rhythms, and mistakes.

That's true for every musician you've ever admired.

As a teacher, one of my favorite things is watching students discover that they can do hard things.

What's something difficult you learned that was worth the effort?

2018 to today 😍😍😍 I love watching my kiddos grow up, and going back to see old pictures.

I love getting to teach them over the years. Violinist for life!

Oh my goodness. This is one of my students performing at the recital this year. Here she is back in 2018. Now she is headed into her senior year of high school!!!!!

Recital from 2023. I am so looking forward to this year's recital which is this Saturday! :D

Group picture from this year's recital. ❤️

Summer lessons are registering now. Email me if you are interested in information for lessons in the New Braunfels area. [email protected]