A Twin Cities native, Kelby Strobel began studying violin at the age of seven. During high school, she studied with noted pedagogue and Minnesota Orchestra violinist Aaron Janse. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Violin Performance from the University of Minnesota School of Music, where she studied with Mark Bjork and Sally O’Reilly. Following graduation, she continued her studies with Minnesota Orchestra violinists Cecilia Belcher and Natsuki Kumagai.

Kelby is an active orchestral musician who performs throughout the Midwest. She served for several years as Principal Second Violin of the Mississippi Valley Orchestra before joining the Mankato Symphony Orchestra, where she performed as a soloist and as a member of the first violin section. In 2018, she began performing with the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra and became a member of its second violin section in 2019. She also maintains an active freelance performance career.

Kelby performs on a violin made by Honoré Derazey, a noted 19th-century French maker associated with Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume. She has a particular interest in fine French bows and enjoys studying and performing on bows made by the great French makers of the 19th and early 20th centuries.

In addition to performing, Kelby maintains a thriving private violin studio in Plymouth, Minnesota, where she has taught for more than a decade. Her students have participated in ensembles including the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies, Minnesota Youth Symphonies, and Mankato Area Youth Symphony Orchestra. Former students have gone on to pursue music and violin studies at the University of Minnesota Duluth, Bethel University, the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University, Concordia College, and St. Olaf College.

Kelby welcomes students of all ages and ability levels, including adult learners. Her teaching is grounded in the belief that with thoughtful instruction, consistent practice, and dedication, learning to play the violin can be both deeply rewarding and inspiring.