Joseph Shackelford redefines the very nature of the violin. 

Known for his impressive command of the violin and unique improvisational skills, Joseph’s concerts are always thrilling and dynamic. 

At the age of four, Joseph began taking violin lessons, laying the groundwork for what would become a lifelong dedication to his instrument. Even from the earliest years it was obvious that Joseph was wired for performance as he captivated audiences with his remarkable sound and energetic presence.
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At eight years old Joseph was already developing his skills and reputation as a freelance musician, playing regional venues and bringing fans to their feet. Joseph never lost sight of his priorities and continued to focus on his classical training. By age nine he was studying under violin professor Timothy Shiu at the University of Memphis Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music. 

At age eleven, Joseph was accepted into the Cleveland Institute of Music in Cleveland, Ohio. His studies included intensive chamber music experience and solo performance. He was accepted into the first violin section of the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra, as well as the Contemporary Youth Orchestra, where he served as Assistant Concertmaster. Joseph has studied and had coachings with names such as Rachel Barton Pine, Ivan Zenaty, William Preucil, David Kim, and many more. Most recently he studied with Professor Brian Lewis at the University of Texas at Austin Butler School of Music.

Meanwhile, Joseph also began developing another skill – music production. With a performer’s experience and a composer’s ear, Joseph quickly began arranging and producing fully mixed tracks of both current and classic hits – which he then used as an impressive backdrop for virtuosic violin solos.
Joseph has performed and been interviewed on public radio and featured multiple times on the nationally syndicated “Lu Valentino Show.” His cover of “Perfect” by P!nk was nationally debuted to over 2.3 million people. He has performed alongside the famed Cleveland Orchestra, award-winning singer-songwriter Ben Folds, Arrival from Sweden (ABBA) and many more. 

Joseph has played a variety of stages from the Arkansas Entertainer’s Hall of Fame 2015 Induction Ceremony honoring Al Bell and Francis McBeth to the six time Arkansas Festival of Year winner MusicFest 28. 

With music in his soul and performing in his blood, Joseph Shackelford always entertains! To witness the action or be a part of the journey, please contact us at JSMusicManagement@gmail.com