About
Praised for her “big tone and attractive sound”, Korean-Canadian violinist Sonya Shin started her violin studies at the age of five. In recent years, Shin has won many top prizes in local, provincial, and national competitions such as the Canadian Music Competition, and the Kiwanis Music Festival. At age seventeen, Shin made her debut with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra performing Sarasate’s Zigeunerweisen. Other notable solo performances have been with Edmonton Chamber Orchestra and Edmonton Philharmonic Orchestra. Along with solo performances, Shin was Concertmaster of the Edmonton Youth Orchestra for four years. She has attended many international music festivals including Morningside Music Bridge, Casalmaggiore International Music Festival in Italy, National Arts Centre- Young Artists Program, Aspen Music Festival ,and Heifetz International Music Institute. Shin currently studies at the Manhattan School of Music under Patinka Kopec. Her previous teachers are Robert Uchida, James Keene, and Anne Mcdougall. Other influences include Andrew Dawes, Andrew Wan, Martin Beaver, and Grigory Kalinovsky. Aside from her own studies, Shin has a passion for enlightening upcoming young musicians. In 2017-2019, Shin volunteered as an orchestral coach and private teacher at YONA, an after school music program for young students coming from low income families. She also teaches privately on the side. Shin is generously supported by the Korean Canadian Foundation scholarship, Alexandra M. Munn scholarship, the O’Neill Foundation, Ranald & Vera Shean Memorial Scholarship, Selma W. Berkman Fund and the Winspear Fund scholarship. She is currently playing on a Tommaso and Lorenzo Carcassi 1734, loaned to her by the Manhattan School of Music.
Reviews
Whit
Gwyneth G.
Claire K.
Elliot W.
Karen R.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I spend the first lesson communicating with the student on why they want to learn the violin, what goals they want to set, and getting to know them in general. It helps me understand what teaching styles are necessary for the benefit of the student.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I currently study at the Manhattan School of Music under Patinka Kopec. My previous teachers are Robert Uchida, James Keene, and Anne Mcdougall. Other influences include Andrew Dawes, Andrew Wan, Martin Beaver, and Grigory Kalinovsky. Aside from my own studies, I have a passion for enlightening upcoming young musicians. In 2017-2019, I volunteered as an orchestral coach and private teacher at YONA, an after school music program for young students coming from low income families. I also teach privately on the side.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$65 per hour if student comes to my home
$50 online per hour
$65 plus traveling expenses if taught at students home.