Cami Shaskin Violin

10/09/2026

Well, that was fun! Two new students in one day (both adults!), bringing my studio to capacity. I am now offering waiting list status for lessons.

If you're an experienced violinist wondering how you can get students, check out my course to benefit new teachers at training.camishaskinviolin.com. Or sign up for my free guide, Advice for Starting a Studio on my website, camishaskinviolin.com. It's not rocket science, and there is some luck involved, but there are pragmatic elements too.

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10/08/2026

These are the payback years. At this point, I’m glad I’ve played the violin for over 30 years because symphonies can be prepped in my personal practice in short order. After ten to fifteen minutes on two pages, thankfully only one of the octaves was cringe-worthy!

10/02/2026

Local friends, last chance. This event is tomorrow!

10/01/2026

Why should public school teachers collaborate with local teachers offering private lessons? For days like today!

I went to visit a school orchestra class, and in exchange for a 10 second pitch ("I offer violin lessons here in town; does anyone want a flyer?"), I had the opportunity to advise their rehearsal, and at one point, when vibrato was mentioned, to ask the students if they wanted to learn the BIG SECRET for vibrato: "this is worth the cost of a private lesson right here." I showed them. They tried it. The reactions were exhilarating. I saw the face of one violist in the back of the class light up, as he called out excitedly, "Why is that so much easier?!"

Collaboration not only adds validation to the instruction of the school teacher, but it puts everyone in a better mood--the regular teacher (because she gets more adult interaction in her room!), the private teacher (because she gets to do things out of her every day, like take a turn with the baton!), and the students, who get to feel *seen* by another music leader they aren't familiar with. Music education is so important from all fronts!

Photo credit: adamara on Unsplash

09/22/2026

How many minutes of music does a professional musician prepare in a month? Obviously it various, but I tallied it up for me for the past month: 323 minutes of new music, including two quintets, four symphonies, premieres of new pieces, and a concerto; and 72 minutes of music I already knew--not including additional personal practice time spent on hard passages or combined rehearsal time!

09/17/2026

I'm excited to present my video series and what I've learned about teaching at this Conference at UVU in October! See teasers on YouTube (). I hope to see some of you there!

09/14/2026

Another trip up to MT in the books to perform with the Helena Symphony to open their 72nd Season! The Barber Violin Concerto was soaringly beautiful and it was nice to revisit some Copland. I always have a blast when I’m there. My roommates were great as well!

09/04/2026

Paid symphony work, even at the local level, is a challenge, but so fun! Come hear us perform!

09/03/2026

Playing duets is the best!