Stan Shelnutt

Recently I met up with a friend/filmmaker to record a short little ‘music video’ to some of my original pieces. The first one posted is entitled ‘waiting on a diagnosis’.

So here’s a little bit more about the piece in terms of its composition and arrangement. Also my personal analysis/thoughts on this piece.

This piece came together in a somewhat unusual way for me - I wrote it ‘measure by measure’. And what I mean is that I played the first measure and added the 2nd measure. After the 2nd I played the…

Imposter syndrome: Part Deux

Imposter syndrome: revisited

Imposter syndrome: the sequel

Imposter syndrome 2: Electric Boogaloo

Jokes and obscure references aside -  a few years ago I wrote a blog post on imposter syndrome. Basically dealing with being a musician playing classical music WITHOUT having an actual documented education to back it up.

Its funny how it creeps back in.

Preparing for a trip to the Sioux Falls Farmers Market - I’m wondering again if I am even eligible.

Do I have the right…

“As a musician, you should know your worth”

Its something i’ve heard and read numerous times. As if you could put a price tag on musicians and performers and consider that a summation of their worth. 

It’s also my unpopular opinion - musicians should not gatekeep music for monetary gain. 

That’s not to say that musicians should go unpaid, musicians should definitely be paid, and they should be paid well - however, the outright refusal to create, perform, share, or play music seems counterintuitive to a…

Imposter: one that assumes false identity or title for the purpose of deception 

My false identity: a musician. It’s a sham. A costume I put on to convince people that I did not in fact drop out of getting my music degree.  I actually have a degree in science. This is just a hobby. 

Syndrome: group of signs or symptoms that occur together and characterize a particular abnormality or condition; set of concurrent things that usually form an identifiable pattern. 

Abnormality? Am i in fact a musician? I can…