Sheila Maguire
About
“Her powerful tone, exciting rhythmic drive and true traditional style make her one of Irish America’s finest fiddlers” – Done Meade, Irish Echo Newspaper
At age 6, Sheila began Irish Traditional fiddle lessons with the late-great Maureen Glynn. Within a year, Sheila entered her first national fiddling competition, and four years later, she began competing internationally. By age 17, she had accumulated 65 US National Championships and 15 World Championships. At the same time, her professional career launched with the same alacrity, as she was engaged for interviews and performances which included WBAI and WFUV Radio in New York, RTE 1 Television in Ireland, and had recorded her first group album-- all before her 15th birthday.
Owning a rare ability to play across genres, Sheila has performed with Traditional Irish, Folk, Rock, R&B, Reggae, Celtic Rock and Jazz ensembles. Some notable live music collaborations include, Levon Helm and Stephen Stills, as well as "Ashling", "Subterranean Jazz”, "Glen Road", "Rabharta" and "Ireland the Show". As well as solo performances at the Musical Instrument Museum in Scottsdale, Az. Spanning 45 years of professional musicianship, Sheila's successful performances range from small local bars to concert halls, music festivals and theater productions. Her talent and drive carried her to appearances throughout the United States, Canada, and Ireland.
Sheila toured with Michael Flatley's "Lord of the Dance" as an onstage Violinist throughout U.S and Canada, with extended dates in Biloxi, MS, and Las Vegas. She was also featured in several theater and radio productions including the Mesa Shakespeare Company "She Stoops to Conquer" (Mesa, Az), KTAR’s “A Christmas Carol” (Phoenix Az), and Brooklyn Playhouse “Don’t Wake the Corpse” (Brooklyn, NY).
Sheila has also been a successful Store Manager for:
- The String Shop - Tempe, Az: An all service/sales/rental shop for Bass, Cello, Viola, and violins
- Zeta Electric Violins – Tempe, Az: Production/service/repairs/sales for all Zeta products.
- Rene Morel’s Fine Violins – New York, NY: A specialty shop dealing in A-list clientele, high-end sales, and repairs for cello, viola, and violins.
Sheila is an enthusiastic teacher! Her vast experience, teaching over 300 students, combined with her penchant to make those around her feel welcome and assured; Sheila's love of music is infectious. Sheila has taught large and small groups privately for over 30 years and for four years as an instructor for the Irish Cultural Center, Phoenix. Sheila has administered workshops, orchestrated, and participated in school performances/recitals and personal instruction; all with equal aplomb. Sheila loves teaching music! She has been a professional violinist for 45 years, and a teacher for 30 years. Teaching ALL Ages and All Levels, with a focus on getting students to play as soon as possible. Extremely patient, and her students always have a great time learning.
Specialties: Technique, Ear Training, Bowing, Audition Prep, Arrangement, Accompaniment, Listening, and Stage Performance. I LOVE working with Beginners!