Shane S.

Piano 

Genres: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Contemporary

Teaches in English

​

Shane Simpson is a multi-faceted pianist, keyboardist, and composer. Hailing from the North Shore of Chicago, Shane has taken his musical talents to cities across the US, Canada, Panama, and Spain. With over two decades of piano study, he honed his skills at the New England Conservatory, where he was mentored by renowned musicians like Fred Hersch, Jason Moran, Ran Blake, Anthony Coleman, and Bruce Brubaker, and developed a deep understanding of music theory and the teachings of Nadia Boulanger.

​

Constantly seeking new musical experiences, Shane values creativity, exploring everything from ragtime to early music to synth pop. Despite his diverse interests, he remains dedicated to keeping the jazz tradition alive and examining the intersection of technology and the piano. His music explores themes of brokenness, dystopia, and futurism, often drawing connections between disparate influences from throughout history and today.

​

His latest release is green$leeves (2023), a fresh take on the classic English ditty associated with Christmas. Upon releasing the single, he shared a personal statement about his connection to the song through a memory with his late father.

​

As the keyboardist for songwriter Ryan Power, Shane contributes to music that blends elements of pop, jazz, and experimental styles. Power's thoughtful, boundary-pushing compositions are a fitting complement to Shane's versatile musicianship. Additionally, Shane is a founding member of the trio Pfeete (fka Petite Feet), a unique musical outfit that reimagines the ragtime genre for the 21st century. Their single Fig Leaf Rag (2022) and debut album Nude Piano (2019) have received praise for their playful and imaginative approach to the music. In 2021, Shane released his eccentric solo EP My Digital Wife, which showcases his unusual brand of "cyborg piano music" alongside traditional acoustic piano performances. His pianism can also be heard on the soundtrack of the popular virtual reality game I Expect You to Die 2.

​

Shane’s passion for the piano has been a defining element of his life for as long as he can remember. He began piano lessons at the age of 8, influenced by a family that deeply valued music. His mother, who studied piano, saxophone, and bassoon during her formative years, and his father, an amateur folk and bluegrass musician, fostered a musical environment that naturally nurtured Shane's talents. By the age of 15, Shane had committed to the path of a professional musician. He pursued music with great seriousness throughout his early life, excelling academically and socially through his musical endeavors. His unwavering dedication and love for music ensure that he will continue to inspire and be inspired in his lifelong musical journey.

​

When not performing, composing, or recording, Shane is a devoted educator. He has served as a music theory faculty member at the New England Conservatory and Massachusetts Institute of Technology and as a teaching artist for the New York Philharmonic Very Young Composers. Today, he is a sought-after piano instructor in Brooklyn, NY, where he teaches through Soyulla Artists and maintains a thriving private teaching practice.

​

Shane is a passionate and dedicated teacher who believes that it is his duty to help people of any age tap into their inner artist. He believes that learning in the arts transfers to all other areas of life. He makes learning music fun and offers a diverse wealth of musical knowledge, providing his students with a well-rounded education. He teaches all ages, levels, and styles.