Meet Susie Shortt | Professional Violinist & Music Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Susie Shortt and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Susie, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
When I got divorced I had another career in the legal field. I wasn’t happy in that role. I still performed weddings as a side hustle but when I was laid off, I truly took a hard look at myself. I asked myself what made me happy? Violin makes me happy. I literally got down on my knees and prayed and asked God to help me. I made a list of the pros/cons of doing music full time.

I trusted God and took my 401k funds and made Susie Shortt Music happen. I took a leap of faith. It’s like Christmas to me when I have a new student start and I introduce them to the bow and they start to play or play an actual song for the first time. That’s truly a gift for me. When I perform our weddings I cry at each one and blessed to make dreams come true.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I travel the country performing weddings. It’s not just a job, it’s an incredible gift from God. I took a leap of faith and started my business. It’s hard but I always find ways to reinvent myself to make it work. I am constantly looking at the latest technology to enhance my craft to make sure I have the best equipment, hire the best musicians to make my business successful. It’s not easy being self employed. I love being my own boss. Giving me the freedom to teach, travel and bless others with my gift for their events. I finance everything myself as an independent artist. I don’t have records to back me up lol. Everyone asks me. When’s the next album coming out? When I come up with funds to finance it. It’s tough but when you are in the studio creating it’s well worth it. I keep pounding the pavement to open new opportunities, i’m always knocking on doors. I just don’t sit and wait. I make it happen.. I stay grounded always. I have full circle moments. From beating abuse, drug addiction, homelessness to being a business owner and thriving to make a difference. I’m blessed. I’ve been a huge fan of Elvis Presley, Wayne Newton, The Temptations and Barry Manilow. I’ve performed at The Chapel in the Woods at Graceland, Guesthouse at Graceland. Performed at the Westgate on the same stage as Elvis, those are full circle moments. I thank god. Every day. Never thought I’d work with Wayne Newton, The Temptations or Barry Manilow always remember listening to them on vinyl as a kid. Then to perform with them an incredible opportunity and gift.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Nashville Definitely go to Loveless Cafe for breakfast the freshest biscuits I ever tasted., their fried chicken is the best.

Loretta Lynn’s kitchen in Hurricane mills TN her recipes and anything you order is great

Do the tours at ryman, Opry and country mudic hall of fame those are musts and get in line at the bluebird cafe

Take the car and just drive in the Smokey mountains!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost I thank God for blessing me with this gift to help others. I’d like to thank my teacher/mentor Anne Forman. She saw a gift in me, and i’m forever grateful for her to show me how teaching is so rewarding. She was kind and is one of the reasons I became a violin teacher to follow in her footsteps. As she was one of the greatest teachers I had. Thank you Anne.

Website: www.susieshorttmusic.com

Instagram: Instagram.com/@susieshorttmusic

Twitter: twitter.com/@shorttmusic

Facebook: Facebook.com/@susieshorttviolinist

Youtube: YouTube.com/@susieshorttmusic8103

Image Credits
Stacy Frick On The Rocks Photography