LANNIE SHELTON

VIOLINIST & TEACHER

I am a contemporary violinist born in Denver Colorado. I regularly perform and record all styles of music. I’ve been teaching violin at West Denver Suzuki Strings for a decade.

1. Although I was trained in a classical setting I definitely have a strong passion for jazz and a fascination for harmony. I attended a jazz summer program at Berklee College of Music and studied with Ron Miles at MSU Denver, too. My mentor is Christian Howes and another violin hero of mine is Regina Carter.

2. Sports have been very big in my life and I rely on them for mental balance. I was the top tennis player at Lakewood High School.

I was also really into skateboarding in my 20s and dreamt of being amazing in that even though I had zero courage. I’m really glad that women have become so much more prominent at the skate parks these days!

3. My great grandparents owned a Jewish grocery store named Bell’s Grocery, which was located where the Mercury cafe now stands.

4. I played guitar in an all-girl cover/punk band called Valet Park This in 10th grade. When I left, due to being a wuss, it became a hardcore band.

5. Music tours I’ve been on include trips to South America and Hungary with Denver Young Artists Orchestra, as well as a tour to San Juan, CO, where our band the Pink Hawks won Battle of the Bands!