Student Spotlight

Mind's Eye	Heavy Jam

About:
Steve Shannon first picked up a guitar at the age of 10. He is a Chicago native and says: "What attracted me to composing was music's ability to move people. We all have favorite songs. I'm sure most of us agree that there's something interesting in how a song or certain note has the ability to bring back special memories old or new, good or bad. This is why I am so into the art and am thankful to have the ability to be able to express myself. Guitar playing is my way of expressing my love for music & life. Composing music allows me to disconnect and at the same time it invokes my soul to explore." - Steve Shannon

Current Projects:
I'm currently working on my debut album. The album will be in the neoclassical instrumental style.

Guitars:
Sonic Blue Stratocaster, Vintage White Stratocaster, 60's Cream Stratocaster, Graffiti Yellow 48th St. Custom Stratocaster and a Cherry Red Strat-copy.

Amps:
Line 6 Flextone II Plus and Marshall Cabinets.

Influences:
Yngwie Malmsteen, Paul Gilbert, Tony Macalpine, Jason Becker,
James Byrd, George Lynch, George Bellas, Eddie Van Halen, Michael Schenker,
Uli Jon Roth, Bach, Handel, Vivaldi, Beethoven, Rachmaninov & Mozart.

Comments:
Steve has a nice vibe within his playing, good vibrato and tons of feel. He is very interested in taking his guitar and composing skills to an extremely high level of virtuosity. He has many good ideas for songs that he is currently assembling into his debut album. Steve has a strong penchant for Classical music and Neo-Classical rock that is quite evident in his playing. - George Bellas