9 December 2025
Shropshire Music Service is proud to celebrate the achievements of former student Evie, whose musical journey began with us at the age of seven and has grown into a remarkable and inspiring career.
Evie first picked up the violin through SMS lessons at her primary school and quickly discovered a love for ensemble playing. She joined groups including Fiddlesticks and the Shropshire Girls Choir, before progressing into larger county ensembles.
Her dedication and musical ability led her to become principal violinist of the Shropshire Youth Orchestra, a role she held for almost two years until leaving for university at 19.
Reflecting on her time with SMS, Evie says the experience shaped her not just as a violinist, but as a musician:
“As well as teaching me the instrument itself, Shropshire Music Service really cultivated my love for ensemble playing.”
Inspired by her experiences, Evie went on to study Music at university, specialising in violin performance and achieving a first class degree. She later worked as a professional musician before returning to education to pursue a new passion: violin making and repair.
Evie is now studying at the Newark School of Musical Instrument Craft, one of the leading centres for luthiery training in the UK.
“I am so grateful to Shropshire Music Service for setting me off down the path to get to do something so wonderful every day. It is such a joy to work with likeminded people making these instruments. I have even had the chance to admire and play some incredible antique violins.”
Alongside her studies, Evie continues to perform both professionally and for pleasure, keeping her love of music very much alive.
Her story is a powerful reminder of where musical opportunities in childhood can lead, and a celebration of the creativity, confidence, and ambition that Shropshire Music Service aims to inspire in every young person.
We are incredibly proud of you, Evie.
Thank you for sharing your journey with us, and for showing how far a love of music can take you.
