Teaching

Shelley believes that everyone has the right to make music. They do their best to make the classroom a warm, fun environment where people can try new things, ask questions, and discover their musical voices. In both group classes and private lessons, they try to meet students where they're at (interest and ability-wise) and present information/offer new challenges in ways that both allow and inspire students to grow at their own pace. They strive to break down new skills and techniques to make them easier to do and understand and to offer personal feedback to each student.


Shelley teaches group and private lessons at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago’s Lincoln Square neighborhood. They are also available for virtual (Zoom) private lessons through the Old Town School.

Old Town School offers sliding scale financial aid to all who qualify.
More info HERE.

Upcoming classes and registration info

Disciplines: Guitar, Songwriting, Ukulele, Ensembles

Styles - Group/Private Lessons: Rock, Punk, Indie, Singer-Songwriter, Folk, Soul, Country, Pop

Techniques - Group Guitar/Private Lessons: Strumming/Rhythm, Chords, Fingerstyle, Barre Chords, Fretboard Knowledge, Singing & Playing, Performance Coaching Music Theory (beginning/intermediate), Note Reading (private lessons), Songwriting, Beginning/advanced beginning ukulele

Recipient of the Old Town School of Folk Music's 2014 Distinguished Teaching Artist Award