Primary Instructor: Joseph Shanks
Instruments: violin, viola, and piano
Music was an integral part of Joseph’s upbringing, who began piano lessons at age five. After many years as a pianist, he took violin lessons before switching to viola. Mr. Shanks completed his BA in Music at California Polytechnic University (Cal Poly) and was awarded his MM degree in viola performance from San Diego State University, where he served as principal violist for both the symphony orchestra and chamber orchestra. Joseph has performed regularly with the San Luis Obispo Symphony, the San Luis Obispo Master Chorale, and Orchestra Novo. In addition to his musically pursuits, Joseph enjoys road cycling, helping out his local church, and spending time with family.
Joseph has been actively teaching individual and group lessons for many years! He first began teaching music lessons in high-school to children at his church. Following graduation, Joseph expanded his teaching studio and began working for the San Luis Obispo Youth Symphony. He became one of their full time viola coaches and also became a teacher in their Strings in the School program which provided group string lessons for public elementary students. Over the years Joseph has continued teaching through his studio and also through many summer music camps and festivals including, the Central Coast Music Academy, the Pacific Crest Music Academy, and Orchestra Novo's Summer String Music Camp.
