FEATURE
Harrison Sheckler Exclusive Interview With Muzique Magazine
When did you discover your love for your craft and what made you realize you wanted to pursue a career in it?
My love for music and specifically piano began at an early age. I used to watch The Lawrence Welk Show as a toddler and fell in love with the music that the guests played on the show. It was a variety of classical, jazz, and popular tunes. That is what first peaked my interest in the musical world. My family also had an upright piano in our house that had me enthralled. At the age of 6 my parents signed me up for piano lessons and at age 8 I started violin lessons. Now I’m almost 25 yrs old and I still can’t imagine my life without music. It’s my passion!
Are you working on any new projects?
So far, 2021 has been an extremely busy year for me. I’m currently home in Charles City, Iowa finishing up my master’s degree in piano performance at Brooklyn College online due to the pandemic. Since being home, I’ve been hired as an adjunct music professor at Wartburg College in Waverly, IA. When I’m not studying, practicing, or teaching, I’m creating. I’ve recently started a new YouTube series titled “The Sheckler Spotlight” where I interview prominent classical musicians, broadway stars, actors, and artists about their careers and love for the fine arts. It’s been a lot of fun hearing from these amazing artists! I’ve also been doing a lot of recording lately so follow me on Spotify for new releases!
Harrison Sheckler Exclusive Interview With Muzique Magazine
You mentioned that you’ve been recording new music – any upcoming releases?
Yes! I composed a piece a few years back titled “Spring in Iowa” during my undergrad at the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. It was recorded by the “Unheard-of//Ensemble” when they were guest artist-in-residence at the school and we are just now going to release the single on Spotify and other streaming platforms for listeners to enjoy. Perfect timing as spring is just around the corner! The piece features piano, cello, clarinet, and violin. If you listen closely, you can hear the Iowa Hawkeye fight song and Camille Saint-Saëns’s “The Swan” from Carnival of the Animals quoted in the piece.
What are your plans for the near future?
Once I finish my master’s degree I plan on going on to get my doctorate in music starting this fall. In addition to being a performer, I’d love to teach piano at the college level. I also have some very big secret projects, so stay tuned!
How can fans find you?
Website: www.harrisonsheckler.com
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2o9ZYZPOAh3THDrjmSqzZW?si=9YHuGp7KRZ-z5WLIXY1kLg
Instagram: @harrisonsheckler
Twitter: @HarrisonSheckl1
Facebook: @hsheckpiano
What suggestions do you have for other artist like yourself?
It’s important to stay disciplined and always try to better your craft. Stay humble – every opportunity can be a learning situation if you make it out to be. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. What makes you stand out from every other musician? What’s YOUR unique musical voice? Finding the answers to these questions will help start you on your path to success.
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