Today we’d like to introduce you to Shaun Moore.
Hi Shaun, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey to becoming a Music Producer, Music Educator, and professional musician began at the age of eight. That’s when I picked up my first instrument which was the Bassoon. My parents saw that I had a serious interest in music at that time and began supporting me at such a young age. My music teacher then also saw that I demonstrated a natural talent and seriousness for music. He also supported my endeavors early on. Once I got into middle school, I began learning more than one instrument and started playing in multiple ensembles on Bassoon and Tenor Sax. I even started auditioning for All-State competitions back then, in which case I ended up winning first chair honors every year that I auditioned. Once I got into high school, I began playing in all the ensembles from jazz band, wind ensemble to orchestra and marching band all while sitting the first chair. In addition to that, I continued to audition and win the first chair in all of the high school competitions that I entered. I also sat first chair on one of my instruments, the Bassoon, in the high school community symphony orchestra. By the time I reached tenth grade I was offered my first full-music scholarship to college by one of my former high school band directors who had moved up to being a college director at that time. By the time I reached the eleventh grade, I had actually been offered eleven full-music scholarships to colleges across the country. It was in the eleventh grade that I knew for certain that I wanted to pursue a career in music. I was granted and accepted a full-music scholarship to Jackson State University, where I would continue my studies in music.
While at Jackson State, I became an ambassador for the institution. In addition to auditioning and earning the first chair in all the ensembles that I participated in, I traveled and toured the country performing in all those various ensembles which included the jazz ensemble, wind ensemble, marching band, and orchestra. I also had the opportunity to record a University album with the jazz ensemble. By the time I reached my junior year, I was also playing professionally with the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra on Bassoon. My Bassoon professor at Jackson State was also the principal Bassoonist of the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra and thought that I was good enough to play professionally with him and their organization. I got my first attempts at being a Music Producer making music or beats in my dorm room with equipment my parents helped me get. Matriculating through Jackson State, I had a full load as a student and managed to maintain a 4.0 GPA every year and also graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0.
After graduating from Jackson State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education, I secured my first job working as a Music Educator by day and by night worked as a Music Producer interning in some of the studios in Atlanta. Along the way, I met a lot of successful producers and executives who were very inspirational and influential to me and my growth & development. One gentleman in particular whose name is Ian Burke was the first executive I met in Atlanta who gave me my first internship as a Music Producer working in a very successful studio. From that point on, I began to meet and build relationships with many other creatives within the Music Industry. Early on, I learned that relationships are almost worth more than money and working as a Music Producer and professional musician that is true still to this day which is why I value and nurture all my relationships. Over the years, working as a Music Educator, I had the opportunity to lead many performing ensembles to earn numerous top honors and awards at competitions and festivals throughout the country. And as a Music Producer and professional musician, I have had the pleasure and opportunity to work with many successful people which include GRAMMY Award-Winning Multi-Platinum Artists, GRAMMY Award-Winning & Multi-Platinum Songwriters, and other executives within the Music Industry.
From where I started to where I am at now in my career currently as a Music Producer, Music Educator, and professional musician, I have learned and accomplished a few things. One noteworthy accomplishment for me is when I became a member of the GRAMMYs~Atlanta Chapter of the Recording Academy. I am a very active member participating in all initiatives that the organization has throughout the year which include meeting with Congress as it relates to the concerns of the Music Industry as a whole, and also the GRAMMY Awards which takes place once a year. With everything I have been able to experience in my professional music career, I still feel as if I am just getting started.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I can definitely say that it hasn’t been a smooth road for me in my career. Some of the things that were challenging early on as a Music Producer and professional musician were financial stability, getting your music heard by the right people, relationship building, and excelling in a space that is very competitive. When you’re starting out as a Music Producer and professional musician, no-one really knows who you are and it’s your drive, work ethic, and relentless desire to achieve that has to carry you as you work towards your goals. It doesn’t happen overnight so you have to employ patience as well. As a Music Educator, some of the challenges that I faced were getting support and funding for the programs you ran, exposure, and having the necessary personnel in order to implement the vision you were creating. As time progressed, with experience, everything got better.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
For work, I am currently a Music Educator, a Music Producer, and a professional musician. As a Music Educator, I work with an organization/company providing clients of all ages direct instruction in all things music. Everything from learning how to play instruments to learning how to play their favorite songs to music theory, you name it. As a Music Producer, I work with a handful of Multi-Platinum and GRAMMY Award-Winning songwriters, Artists, Record Labels, and executives within the Music Industry. My primary role as a Music Producer is to provide quality music to fit the needs of everyone who’s looking for a particular type of music. As a professional musician, currently I tour and do shows performing on one of my instruments with Independent and GRAMMY Award-Winning Artists. So, It’s safe to say that I specialize in all things music. I can’t really pinpoint one specific event or moment in my career that I am most proud of because for me, this has been a childhood dream of mine that I began taking seriously at such a young age. I think all of my successes and challenges have helped shape where I am today. I think my ability to connect with my peers and other individuals in a way that adds value and feels more personable is something that I do well which in a way sets me apart from others. I always have been a team player or have built my relationships where they are definitely mutually beneficial and I think that has contributed to my longevity.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I would say that with networking, always be polite in your interactions with others especially with who you feel may be able to assist you along the way. Try to add value first, even if you think you don’t have much to offer in the beginning. Sometimes your personality and the type of person you are will give off the right energy which can be received by others. For me, when all I had was talent, I would find a way to connect with others by making them feel valued and that I was the right person for them to work with by getting to know more about them and their needs. Also, being friendly and personable helps as well. I actually try and build personal relationships with many of the people that I meet. It’s not a quick process but a lot of times, it helps build longevity in what you’re doing. As far as a mentor, I would say look for someone who has done similar to what you are trying to do and see if they would be willing to support you in some form or fashion. That has worked for me. I know many people now who have achieved some of the things that I want to achieve and I have the ability to ask them for assistance as I need it. Their insight, wisdom, and knowledge allow me to make better decisions to put into action.
Contact Info:
- Email: Eleventhgrademusic@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/11thgrademusic
