After more than twenty years of teaching private lessons, I have officially retired from one-on-one studio instruction. This decision does not come from a lack of opportunities or interest. In fact, teaching private lessons was a full-time career. At the height of my studio work, I taught over 50 students per week, held multiple student recitals each year, and maintained a full calendar with waitlists and constant referrals. I could have continued teaching this way for the rest of my life and truly enjoyed every moment.
However, my passion for education, performance, and outreach has led me to take on new challenges. I am stepping away from private lessons not because I need to, but because I want to go beyond the limits of individual studio teaching. My goal is to reach more students, support more communities, and make an even broader impact through music education.
I earned my Bachelor of Music Education in Violin in 2009 and my Master of Music in Viola in 2020, both from Central Michigan University. I am deeply grateful to the incredible mentors who guided me along the way, including Marla Smith, Dr. Seunghee Lee, and Dr. Alicia Valoti. Their influence continues to shape the way I teach, perform, and lead.
Throughout my private teaching career, I had the honor of working with hundreds of students at all levels of experience. Each student brought their own personality, goals, and creativity into the studio, and I am proud of what we accomplished together. In addition to teaching, I also dedicated time to leadership in music education. As the Studio Chair for the Michigan Chapter of the American String Teachers Association (ASTA) from 2021 to 2025, I introduced the ASTA Certificate Advancement Program (ASTACAP) to the state. This festival has since become a valuable opportunity for private students to demonstrate growth and excellence. In 2022, I was published in the American String Teacher journal, and I have given multiple presentations at the Michigan Music Conference on topics ranging from using technology to enhance virtual instruction to teaching contemporary techniques such as chopping.
Today, I continue to teach full-time in the school system, and I remain passionate about making a difference through music. If there were enough time in the day, I would continue running a full private studio alongside my current commitments. However, moving forward allows me to reach more students and serve more communities through school programs, workshops, and clinics.
In addition to teaching, I continue to perform throughout Michigan and the Midwest. I am proud to be the most reviewed violinist on both WeddingWire and TheKnot, and I currently turn down three times as many performance requests as I can accept. Performing remains an essential part of my musical life, and I look forward to continuing to share that experience with audiences across the region.
To all of the students and families I have worked with over the years, thank you. Your dedication, trust, and passion for music have left a lasting impact on me. I carry the lessons we shared into every rehearsal, classroom, and performance.
For information about clinics, workshops, coaching, or performance bookings, please visit the contact page.
-Shawn Boucké
However, my passion for education, performance, and outreach has led me to take on new challenges. I am stepping away from private lessons not because I need to, but because I want to go beyond the limits of individual studio teaching. My goal is to reach more students, support more communities, and make an even broader impact through music education.
I earned my Bachelor of Music Education in Violin in 2009 and my Master of Music in Viola in 2020, both from Central Michigan University. I am deeply grateful to the incredible mentors who guided me along the way, including Marla Smith, Dr. Seunghee Lee, and Dr. Alicia Valoti. Their influence continues to shape the way I teach, perform, and lead.
Throughout my private teaching career, I had the honor of working with hundreds of students at all levels of experience. Each student brought their own personality, goals, and creativity into the studio, and I am proud of what we accomplished together. In addition to teaching, I also dedicated time to leadership in music education. As the Studio Chair for the Michigan Chapter of the American String Teachers Association (ASTA) from 2021 to 2025, I introduced the ASTA Certificate Advancement Program (ASTACAP) to the state. This festival has since become a valuable opportunity for private students to demonstrate growth and excellence. In 2022, I was published in the American String Teacher journal, and I have given multiple presentations at the Michigan Music Conference on topics ranging from using technology to enhance virtual instruction to teaching contemporary techniques such as chopping.
Today, I continue to teach full-time in the school system, and I remain passionate about making a difference through music. If there were enough time in the day, I would continue running a full private studio alongside my current commitments. However, moving forward allows me to reach more students and serve more communities through school programs, workshops, and clinics.
In addition to teaching, I continue to perform throughout Michigan and the Midwest. I am proud to be the most reviewed violinist on both WeddingWire and TheKnot, and I currently turn down three times as many performance requests as I can accept. Performing remains an essential part of my musical life, and I look forward to continuing to share that experience with audiences across the region.
To all of the students and families I have worked with over the years, thank you. Your dedication, trust, and passion for music have left a lasting impact on me. I carry the lessons we shared into every rehearsal, classroom, and performance.
For information about clinics, workshops, coaching, or performance bookings, please visit the contact page.
-Shawn Boucké