Who's Who at the Center for Young Musicians: Shawn Satler

Mr. Shawn Satler

CYM is excited to welcome a new member of our teaching faculty, Mr. Shawn Satler. Mr. Shawn is a native to Pittsburgh and will be joining us as a guitar instructor. Welcome, Mr. Shawn!

Guitarist Shawn Satler studied with Dr. Douglas James to receive his Bachelor of Music Performance degree from Appalachian State University in 2006.  In 2013 he completed his Masters of Music Performance degree from Arizona State University while studying with Mr. Frank Koonce. 

Mr. Shawn has also studied with the following guitarists : Carlos Bonell, Massimo Felici, , Natasa Klasinc,  Dennis Koster, Irina Kulikova, Miroslav Lancar, Jeffrey Mcfadden, Matteo Mela, Lorenzo Micheli, James Piorkowski, Pasquale Rucco, Scott Sawyer, William Stewart, Richard Todd, and Andrew Zohn.  In the summers of the years 2004-2008 Shawn also attended the Guitar on the Mediterranean festivals in Cervo, Italy where he learned to speak Italian and gave a solo performance of music by Italian composers in 2008. 

We sat down with Shawn to get to know a bit more about him...

CYM: What is your favorite piece of music to play and/or favorite composer?  

Mr. Shawn: My favorite piece of music to play is the Rossiniana No.1 op. 119 by Mauro Giuliani.  It is a potpouri of melodies from Rossini's operas and in my opinion shows the best of what classical guitar has to offer in terms of melody, harmony, and virtuosity.  

CYM: What is the most memorable music performance (of your own, or that you saw/heard)?

Mr. Shawn: One of my most memorable guitar concerts that I've attended was seeing the flamenco guitarist Gerardo Núñez at Duke University in 1998.  His music was full of passion and excitement and helped to inspire me to be a professional musician. 

CYM: When/where/how do you listen to music for fun (Ex.: Violent Femmes, while cooking, on my 8-track tape player)?   

Mr. Shawn: For fun I like to listen to 90's rock music from my youth in my car and I try to sing along. 

CYM: What has music given you?  

Mr. Shawn: Music has given me a purpose in life and a career I can pursue that is enjoyable.  Music has also introduced me to many talented and interesting individuals. 

CYM: What is your very favorite treat to eat?  

Mr. Shawn: My favorite treat to eat is chocolate.  It is delicious and makes me happy.