Bella Rose Kelly

Bella is a violinist, classical composer, and singer-songwriter who believes that children learn music best when curiosity, exploration, and joy are at the center of the experience. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, she has played violin for 17 years with a focus on classical music and has nearly a decade of experience teaching children ages 5–14.

Bella’s own love of music began at home, watching her mother play the piano. Fascinated by what seemed like “magic,” she began experimenting at the keyboard herself before eventually discovering the violin and finding her own musical path. As an elementary school student, she participated in a program that paired younger musicians with high school “study buddies.” The experience made such an impression on her that at 16, she returned as a study buddy herself, beginning what would become a lasting commitment to teaching children.

In her lessons, Bella encourages students to become scientists and explorers, discovering the many ways their instruments can communicate things that words cannot. Rather than treating mistakes as something to fear, she helps students listen with curiosity. A sound is not simply “good” or “bad”—it is information that can help a young musician discover what to try next.

This approach can be especially valuable for children who are shy, anxious, perfectionistic, or easily discouraged. Bella recalls one young student who initially spent much of his lessons hiding under chairs and was reluctant to play in front of her. Through musical games, listening to his favorite songs, and patiently building trust, he gradually became comfortable playing for their entire 30-minute lesson. Experiences like this have reinforced Bella’s belief that when children stop being afraid of making mistakes, their growth can accelerate dramatically.

Bella also makes a point of celebrating small wins. She and her students look back through their lesson notebooks to see what they were working on weeks or months earlier, helping children recognize progress that can be difficult to notice from one day to the next.

Listening is another important part of her teaching. Bella gives students listening assignments across different genres and encourages them to notice how different musicians approach the same instrument. Those observations become starting points for experimentation in the lesson and help students develop both critical listening skills and their own musical ideas.

Above all, Bella wants children to associate their instruments with joy. She encourages students to begin lessons and home practice with a few minutes of “joy practice”—playing whatever they want simply because they enjoy it. Technique and discipline matter, but Bella believes lasting discipline grows much more naturally when a child genuinely loves making music.

Parents are welcome to be part of that process. Bella encourages parents to observe lessons, ask questions, and communicate with her about practicing, progress, equipment, or anything else that can help their child succeed.

For Bella, teaching is ultimately about helping children experience the same sense of wonder that first drew her to music—and giving them the confidence and skills to make that experience their own.