Shirk Music Studio

Amy Shirk holds a degree in Music Education (double major in piano and saxophone) from Ithaca College. In addition to teaching privately in her large music studio, she is also the director of Fredericksburg Area Young Musicians (FAYM), where she teaches band, strings, AP music theory, conducting, and music history. Amy also serves as the organist of The Presbyterian Church of Fredericksburg. Previous teaching appointments include Holy Cross Academy and LUES Fredericksburg City Schools.

Amy has several years of registered teacher training in the Suzuki method for piano. She regularly accompanies students at competitions and festivals throughout Virginia. Other performances have been with the Mid-Atlantic Wind Symphony, The Fredericksburg Big Band, The Rappahannock Pops Orchestra, The Fredericksburg Symphony Orchestra, and the Christian Youth Theater. 

Amy is a certified Braille transcriber through the National Federation of the Blind, and is working on becoming certified as a music Braille transcriber as well. 

Amy's students consistently earn high marks at festivals and competitions. Many students have been accepted into major college music programs and conservatories. Amy believes that every student deserves the opportunity to play well and enjoy the benefits of playing a musical instrument, no matter where life may take you!

Success is not an accident! It is the result of high goals and purposeful planning!

Every Child Can! 

Professional affiliations include:
Suzuki Association of the Americas (SAA)
Rappahannock Music Society (RMS)
Virginia Federation of Music Clubs (VFMC)
National Federation of Music Clubs (NFMC)
American College of Musicians (ACM)
National Guild of Piano Teachers (NGPT)
National Association for Music Education (NAfME)
Virginia Music Educators Association (VMEA)
Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors' Association (VBODA)
National Braille Association (NBA)