About Chris Shahin

Chris Shahin is a musician and teacher based in San Jose, California. He grew up listening to classic rock but always had an appreciation for jazz and instrumental music. Inspired by several friends, especially the late great Andy Mazzilli, Chris took up classical guitar with Randy Osbourne. Later, he honed his skills under the tutelage of jazz fingerstyle virtuoso Tuck Andress, refining his technique and deepening his understanding of the art of guitar playing.

After earning a BA in Music from San Jose State University, Chris embarked on a journey as a music educator. Armed with a passion for sharing his knowledge and a profound love for teaching, Chris founded the San Jose Guitar School of Music, now celebrating its 20th year in business.

While dedicating himself to shaping the next generation of musicians, Chris has never lost sight of his creative aspirations. As a solo guitarist and the driving force behind The Chris Shahin Project, he has captivated audiences with his compositions and performances. His musical prowess has garnered recognition, with features in Guitar Player Magazine’s spotlight column and numerous appearances on radio and television.

Chris has Written and produced six albums of original music. His discography stands as a testament to his creative vision, with albums like “Valencia” and “Sanctuary” showcasing his versatility and depth. His latest endeavors include the release of “Lifesong” in 2020, an album brimming with original instrumentals, and the forthcoming “Waltz This Way!”, an exploration of the waltz genre set to enthrall listeners with its melodic charm.

Beyond his musical endeavors, Chris is a multifaceted figure in the music community, known for his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to promoting local talent. From curating Guitar Night at San Jose Libraries to founding the Ainsley House concert series, he has tirelessly championed the arts, enriching the cultural landscape of his hometown.

In addition to his contributions as an educator and performer, Chris Shahin’s innovative spirit extends to the realm of guitar accessories, earning him a US patent for his invention, the “JackTight.” Moreover, his online platform, StartToPlayGuitar.com is a place for aspiring guitarists to access accessible and comprehensive learning resources.

With a legacy marked by creativity, passion, and a steadfast dedication to his craft, Chris continues to inspire students and audiences, leaving an indelible imprint on the world of music

Who is Chris Shahin

Chris Shahin is a musician and teacher based in San Jose, California. Like many teenage boys, Chris grew up listening to the classic rock guitar heroes but always had an ear and love for jazz and instrumental music. Inspired by several friends, especially the late great Andy Mazzilli, he began to study classical guitar with Randy Osbourne and later studied with Jazz fingerstyle master Tuck Andress. After graduating from San Jose State University with a BA in Music, Shahin realized he needed to pay the bills and began teaching music while playing and composing his own instrumental music. He quickly realized that he loved teaching others how to play.

Professional Life

He founded and runs SJG School of Music and he makes time for his own musical pursuits as a solo guitarist and with The Chris Shahin Band. He was featured in Guitar Player Magazineʼs spotlight column, and has played his music on radio and television. “I enjoy playing guitar more now than ever; I continue to regularly practice and compose and have lately been getting into the playing styles of Chet Atkins, Merle Travis, Jerry Reed and Tommy Emmanuel,” says Shahin.

Awards

Best Author Award 2016

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World's #1 Best-selling Book 2014

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NYT Best-selling Author 2013

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The Chris Shahin Band released two earlier albums, Left of Center a1999) and The Tenth Degree a1998). His musical and guitar influences include: Wes Montgomery, Django Rienhardt, Jim Hall, Pat Metheny, Steve Morse, Jimmy Page, Jimi Hendrix, Marc Ribot, Tommy Emmanuel, Bill Frisell and Manuel Barrueco. Two of his compositions, Emancipate the Water Planet and Baja Cactus, have also been featured on two compilation albums, Brine and Waves of The West. Chris released, Valencia in 2a1a an all-acoustic guitar album with the quality accompaniment of Jemal Ramirez adrums and percussion), Ken Okada aupright bass) and Sally Dalke aviolin) resulting in the album titled Valencia. In 2a14 Chris released Sanctuary features Sally Dalke on Violin and John Shifflett on bass. It is an all-acoustic guitar album which draws heavily on his classical guitar roots. 2a2a starts with the release of Lifesong an album Chris calls “The most eclectic nylon-string guitar album ever.” 2a23 marks a new chapter with the release of the album “Stamadios!” which features songs which Chris composed both lyrics and music for. “Stamadios!” features several vocalists as well and a stellar cast of Bay Area Jazz musicians.

Chris also start a new online learning school at www.starttoplayguitar.com

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Chris also start a new online learning school at www.starttoplayguitar.com

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