About Shaina

Summary

Shaina is currently pursuing a degree in Oboe Performance at San Diego State University, where she studies with Sarah Skuster.

In addition to her academic training, Shaina teaches private oboe lessons and coaches oboe sectionals at schools throughout North County. She also has experience leading group band classes at the San Diego Music Studio, where she has worked as a band instrument repair technician since 2021. Her fascination with the inner workings of woodwind instruments informs her meticulous and thoughtful approach to repair work.

As a freelance oboist and English horn player, Shaina performs regularly throughout the San Diego area. While her primary experience lies in orchestral and symphonic repertoire, she is equally at home in the pit for ballets and musicals. Eager to broaden her versatility, she is currently expanding her skills as a woodwind doubler on flute, clarinet, and alto saxophone.

Shaina is passionate about a wide range of musical styles and especially enjoys singing jazz. She has performed as a vocalist in both big band and small combo settings, exploring genres such as swing, samba, bossa nova, and bebop. At SDSU, she continues to refine her vocal jazz technique alongside her classical training, and frequently performs with campus jazz ensembles as well as her own swing band, the Stardust Sextet.