Boulder, Colorado
Education and Training
Shaun is an esteemed cellist, composer, performer, and educator with over 34 years of experience in classical, modern and contemporary music, orchestral performance, and film scoring. His career spans an wide range of styles, from classical to jazz, film music, and original compositions, making him a highly diverse and versatile cellist.
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A graduate of the University of Colorado College of Music in Boulder, Shaun honed his craft under the guidance of world-class mentors, including Raymond Davis (former principal cellist of the Seattle Symphony), Judith Glyde and Anthony Elliott (professor at Michigan State University), among others. His extensive studies in cello performance, composition, improvisation, and orchestral technique have shaped him into a master of his instrument, with a lineage rooted in the teachings of renowned cellists Pablo Casals, Leonard Rose and Bernard Greenhouse.
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Shaun's performance credits are both extensive and diverse. He has performed with renowned ensembles, including the Aspen Music Festival Symphonies and the Henri Mancini Institute Orchestra. Currently, he serves as the principal cellist of the esteemed Vienna Light Orchestra touring the country performing The Greatest Showman along side some of cinemas greats. Shaun's career has also taken him to iconic venues across the country including Hollywood's Paramount Theater, The Orpheum Theater, The Scottish Rite Theater, Tampa Theater, Buell Theater, Hollywood Bowl and many more.
As a composer, Shaun has created nearly eight albums that span a wide range of genres, including classical, modern, popular, cinematic, and eclectic styles. His compositions are influenced by the works of legendary composers such as John Williams and Hans Zimmer, combining sweeping cinematic melodies with innovative arrangements that push the boundaries of traditional music. In addition to his album work, Shaun has contributed to numerous music projects, including co-producing nationally distributed albums alongside Emmy Award-winning artists. His compositions have been featured in film scoring programs such as the Sundance Film Music Program and the Pacific Northwest Film Scoring Program with Hummie Mann.
In his solo performances Shaun has embraced the innovative art of live looping, creating intricate soundscapes that layer his cello in real-time. This technique allows him to explore the depths of musical expression, weaving together multiple melodic lines and harmonies that transform his solo performances into rich, immersive experiences.
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Shaun’s deep connection to the natural world has profoundly shaped his artistic voice. He is passionate about using music to express the emotional landscapes of nature, and his works often celebrate the beauty and interconnectedness of life.
Shaun performs as part of Shaun & Sara, a collaborative project with his partner, vocalist and songwriter extraordinaire Sara Kaiser (AKA Nectar Moth) blending their talents to create evocative, soul-stirring music.
To explore Shaun's music and learn more about his personal projects outside of his vibrant cello studio, visit www.shaundiazmusic.com.