She began her violin studies as a two-year-old Suzuki student under Rockford Music Academy founder, Eleanor Stanlis. Shelby believes that “a solid musical and technical foundation” has contributed to her success as a violinist. She is committed to instilling these same fundamentals in her own students through traditional instruction laced with Suzuki fundamentals.

She has soloed with the Chicago Sinfonietta, the Rockford Symphony Orchestra, the Beloit-Janesville Symphony Orchestra and the Racine Symphony Orchestra as their Artist in Residence. As a laureate of the Sphinx Competition, she has given lecture recitals throughout the United States as well as toured with the critically acclaimed Sphinx Virtuosi. 

Additionally, she has traveled extensively to more than 10 countries in Asia, North, South and Central America as Concertmistress of the Royal Conservatory Orchestra and the Orchestra of the Americas. Shelby has enjoyed a freelance career as a soloist, orchestral musician, chamber musician and arranger.

Having relocated from Chicago, Mrs. Harris now resides in Alpharetta, GA with her husband and their two sons.