“Her powerful tone, exciting rhythmic drive and true traditional style make her one of Irish America’s finest fiddlers” – Don Meade, Irish Echo Newspaper  

Sheila Maguire is an accomplished violin and fiddle instructor whose passion for music has inspired hundreds of students over the past three decades. Having taught more than 300 students of all ages and skill levels, Sheila combines exceptional musical expertise with a warm, encouraging teaching style that helps every student feel confident, comfortable, and motivated.

Whether teaching complete beginners or advanced performers, Sheila focuses on helping students make music from the very first lesson. Her patient, supportive approach creates an enjoyable learning environment where students develop strong fundamentals while building confidence and creativity.

For over 30 years, Sheila has provided private instruction and has also served as an instructor at the Irish Cultural Center in Phoenix. Throughout her career, she has led workshops, organized recitals, participated in school performances, and developed individualized lesson plans tailored to each student's goals.

• Violin & Fiddle Technique
• Ear Training
• Bowing & Articulation
• Audition Preparation
• Music Arrangement
• Accompaniment
• Performance Skills
• Active Listening & Musical Development
• Traditional Irish Music

From children picking up a violin for the first time to adults returning to music after years away, Sheila believes music should be accessible, enjoyable, and rewarding for everyone.

Her philosophy is simple:

"If you don't take lessons with me, please take lessons with someone. Just make sure you play music."
 

Sheila began studying Irish traditional fiddle at age six under the guidance of the late Maureen Glynn (Cronin-Connolly). Within a year she was competing nationally, and by age ten she had advanced to international competition.

By age seventeen, Sheila had earned an extraordinary 65 U.S. National Championships and 15 World Championship titles, establishing herself as one of the most accomplished Irish fiddlers of her generation.

Her professional performance career began at an early age and included appearances on:

• WBAI Radio (New York)
• WFUV Radio (New York)
• RTÉ Television (Ireland)

She also recorded her first album before her fifteenth birthday.

Known for her versatility, Sheila performs comfortably across a wide range of musical styles, including:

• Traditional Irish
• Folk
• Celtic Rock
• Rock
• R&B
• Reggae
• Jazz

Throughout her career she has collaborated with renowned artists including Levon Helm and Stephen Stills, and has performed with ensembles such as:

• Ashling
• Subterranean Jazz
• Glen Road
• Rabharta
• Ireland The Show

She has also been featured as a solo performer at the renowned Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) in Scottsdale, Arizona.

With over 45 years of professional performance experience, Sheila has appeared in venues ranging from intimate pubs and local clubs to major concert halls, theaters, and music festivals throughout the United States, Canada, and Ireland.

A career highlight includes touring as an on-stage violinist with Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance, performing throughout the United States and Canada, including extended engagements in Las Vegas and Biloxi.

Additional performance credits include:

• She Stoops to Conquer — Mesa Shakespeare Company
• A Christmas Carol — KTAR Radio, Phoenix
• Don't Wake the Corpse — Brooklyn Playhouse, New York

In addition to her work as a performer and educator, Sheila has extensive experience in the violin industry, managing some of the most respected string instrument businesses in the country.

The String Shop – Tempe, Arizona

• String instrument sales, rentals, service, and repairs
• Violins, violas, cellos, and basses

Zeta Electric Violins – Tempe, Arizona

• Production
• Repairs
• Customer service
• Sales and product support

René Morel Fine Violins – New York, New York

• High-end sales and consultations
• Fine instrument expertise
• Service for professional musicians and elite clientele

"Sheila was so friendly and did a great job pushing me to work hard, but in a gentle, encouraging way. I had a lot of fun in the lessons. I came in with no real knowledge of fiddle playing and left with a fantastic experience. I definitely recommend her."
 

"Sheila provides a calm, productive environment that encourages learning, focus, and fun. She takes her teaching seriously while making each lesson enjoyable. Her patience, guidance, and dedication make her an exceptional teacher for both children and adults."
 

"Sheila is attentive, kind, encouraging, and incredibly knowledgeable. She brings real-world experience and a wonderful teaching style to every lesson. I have learned so much in a short time and truly appreciate her dedication to her students."
 

"As well as being technically excellent, Sheila is incredibly dedicated to her students. She gives extra time, creates demonstration videos, and inspires a genuine love of music. She is pleasant, patient, reliable, and highly recommended."
 

"Sheila is one of those rare individuals who not only performs at an elite level but is also a gifted mentor and educator. She inspires her students, identifies areas for improvement, and provides clear direction for growth. Being her student is a true joy."
 

"After studying with many teachers, I can honestly say Sheila is the best. She inspires a love of music, makes learning fun, and goes above and beyond for her students through recordings, instructional videos, and personalized support."
 

Not at all. Learning by ear is simply another way of learning music. Like reading music, it becomes easier with practice and guidance. In fact, developing your listening skills often helps you play more naturally, memorize music faster, and become a more versatile musician.

Students of all ages are welcome—from young beginners to adult learners and experienced musicians.

No. Beginners are encouraged and welcome. Sheila specializes in helping new students build confidence from their very first lesson.

While Sheila is internationally recognized for Irish traditional fiddle, she teaches violin and fiddle students interested in a wide variety of musical styles and performance goals.

Whether your goal is to learn your first tune, improve your technique, prepare for auditions, or become a confident performer, Sheila is committed to helping you achieve your musical goals while enjoying every step of the process. Music lasts a lifetime—and there is no better time to begin than now. 🎻