Hi Shay,
Here are my thoughts:

1. What does Shosi want to do? Does she have friends that play music, and does she want to be able to play with them? What kind of music does she love?

2. While it's not true that violinists can never "unlearn" the stiff classical thing, I will say from my own experience (violin from the age of 7, serious music school every Saturday from the age of 8 to 14) that it has taken decades (like 30 years!) to "unlearn". I had an old-school teacher who was terrifying and there was total concentration on "correctness". On the other hand, my sister Jane was one of the very first Suzuki-trained violinists in the United States (from the age of 5 - and she met and played for Mr. Suzuki himself) and while she never learned to read music very well, she was able to transition into fiddling easier, I think, and has always had a better attitude towards playing (less self-critical, more relaxed and playful).

Elise Engelberg is an old-time fiddler who also teaches Suzuki violin, in San Francisco. You probably want someone on this side of the Bay, but I think you should give her a call and ask her what she recommends. She is a wonderful person and a terrific teacher, totally great with the kids. 415-431-0147. And of course there is also Bobbi Nikels.

But most important, I would think, would be to have it be some kind of music that Shosi likes and wants to play FOR FUN. And "fun" is the operative word. That's the part of playing music that is SO important for kids. Actually for people of any age.

Myself, I find classical way too demanding and feel like folk traditions are better for social interaction. And, for me, the social part of the music has always been the primary attraction.

All best,
Suzy