Violin

James Shallenberger has been an active violinist – both performing and instructing – for over 30 years. He achieved a Masters degree from University of Washington (Bachelor degree from UC Berkeley).

James’ performance experience includes:
Orchestral: The San Francisco Symphony, Opera and Ballet Orchestras, the Oakland Symphony, and many more.
Pop & Jazz: James has performed with numerous pop and jazz artists, including Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Tony Bennett, Art Pepper, Henry Mancini, Dionne Warwick, Carlos Santana, and Bjork, to name a few. James has traveled throughout the United States, Europe, Canada, and Japan during his tours with Sammy Davis Jr, Keith Jarrett, Yanni, and the Argentine dance review “Forever Tango”
Musical theater: Shows include My Fair Lady, The Sound of Music, Sweeney Todd, and The Producers.
Chamber Music: An enthusiastic chamber musician throughout his career, he was a founding member of the internationally acclaimed Kronos String Quartet and was later a member of Quartet San Francisco (Grammy nominee), the San Francisco String Quartet, and the Navarro String Quartet.
Recording: James has recorded with Linda Ronstadt, John Williams, Aaron Neville, and more. He performed on the soundtracks for Star Wars, Predator I, Mimic, and many others at George Lucas’ Skywalker Ranch. He has also been recorded in hundreds of radio and TV commercials, from Hershey Chocolate to Chevron Gas.

A devoted teacher, James authored the book “Playing the Violin”, covering fundamental principles and progressive exercises leading to facility and ease in all styles. During his teaching career, he has taught ages 5 to 85, from absolute beginners to advanced professionals, in all styles, from Cajun fiddlers through rock and roll electric six-string shredders. He has not only helped young classical players prepare for auditions for Curtis and Juilliard, he has also worked with retired individuals wanting to improve their playing. While living in California, James taught at his private studio as well as at the Crowden School (Berkeley) and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. He now resides in Dunedin with his lovely wife, Francine, and enjoys spending time with his granddaughter while continuing to pass on a love of music to his violin students.