Composer Bio

Shawn Lee (b. 1998) is a composer, conductor, and music educator based in Detroit, Michigan.  He graduated in May 2021 with a degree in Music Education from Wayne State University, and soon after began a career teaching band in the public school system, currently directing band and choir at the International Academy of Macomb.  During his time at WSU, he studied horn with Karl Pituch and Johanna Yarborough of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.  Additionally, he completed the jazz studies minor and received instruction in composition from Jonathon Anderson, Gerald Custer, Chris Collins, and Russ Miller.

Over the course of his composition career, Shawn has enjoyed several premieres of his works, played by preeminent groups including the Wayne State University Wind Symphony and Ferndale Community Concert Band.  He has also received commissions from notable artists, including award-winning saxophonist and pedagogue Matthew Younglove.  He capped off his active undergraduate schedule of premieres with an hour-long senior composition recital, where he premiered five new pieces ranging in scope from solos to full orchestral works.

In his free time, Shawn follows the world of aviation, and plans to earn a pilot's license in the future.  He also enjoys bowling, playing on a league once a week.