Meet Jon Shields

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jon Shields. 

Hi Jon, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Jon Shields and I’m a Nashville-based musician, songwriter, and producer. I try to blend soulful guitar with multiple genres from R&B and country all the way to classical and jazz. Having played in bands with the likes of Mary Wilson of the Supremes and in groups opening for top country acts, I’ve tried to build a reputable name as a guitarist, educator, and consultant. 

I arrived in Nashville in the summer of 2019 and have been working steadily since; lending my hands to producing artist demos, working as a hired gun, helping artists develop their songs, co-writing, mixing and mastering, session work, and teaching. After a long stint in the live music realm, I’ve shifted directions and created a unique recording and release schedule to release at least one song every two weeks for the whole year of 2022. 

Back in 2014, I began my collegiate music journey at University of St. Thomas in Minnesota, excelling in music theory and guitar performance I sought to blend as much knowledge as I could into my music. Coming out of school in 2018 with two music degrees as well as a minor in recording arts, I quickly hit the pavement with the formation of my band “The Jon Shields Trio.” The Trio would go on to play at multiple venues across Minnesota playing everything from classic jazz standards to Stevie Wonder to pop. That same year I released my album “For You,” with a folk and country direction that met local acclaim. 

The son of an Engineer and a Music Educator, I grew up in a home that encouraged creativity and flourished in music at a young age. While still a child, my family discovered my love for music when I supposedly begged to be put to bed with ZZ Top’s “La Grange.” While listening to rock music for the better portion of my childhood, I started on the guitar during my preteens while living on the east coast of Canada. Particularly inspired by the classic rock legends as well as the traditional folk music of the area, I started writing my own songs and before long started getting calls for gigs. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’m not sure I would say smooth, but I’ve definitely been lucky. I have a wonderful family and support system. The biggest struggle was probably moving to Nashville in 2019. I call it a struggle only because I grew up in a small town in Minnesota and then went to university in St. Paul, MN at the University of St. Thomas. When you attend music school that’s your golden ticket to start building your network and community, which was extraordinary. I had the opportunity to play with some great musicians and call them my friends. The struggle came in leaving all of that behind and having to start all over again. That was my main concern; was I going to be able to build up a community in a new city with a very different culture? So far, I have to say it was the right choice. Moving to Nashville. It truly is a place musicians flock to and you can feel the energy just being here. Definitely holds up as “Music City”…. although I would love to see more jazz in town 😉 

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m primarily a guitarist. It’s what I love and what I went to school for! I cherish what I do because I get to do everything surrounding the instrument from gigging live or in the studio to teaching adults and kiddos something super exciting! 

I’d say what sets me apart from others is my classical and jazz guitar chops. Especially here in Nashville, I’ve found it astounding how many musicians can’t read music. Not that you need to be able to read music to be an amazing musician by any means, I was just surprised. I also received a minor in Recording Arts and a second Bachelor’s degree in Music Business while at school in hopes that I would be able to handle everything that the industry threw at me. After moving to Nashville, performing, recording myself and others, I’d say so far, it’s worked out pretty well! 

I’m most proud of my jazz trio from back in Minnesota. That was a great gig because we as musicians got to play music that was fun and challenging to us but also fit so many settings from dinner parties and cafes all the way to government legislators’ meetings and nursing homes. On top of all that we were paid to do it! Forming that group and gigging out are definitely some of my fondest memories. Another thing I’m proud of, to a lesser extent, is my Instagram. The community that we’ve built there has just been marvelous. I adore the fact I can post and talk to people about everything from music to video games. Find your people! 

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Lastly, I would just like to say to anyone reading this, take that chance. Do that thing you’ve been wanting to do. I’m here doing what I love all because of a piece of wood with six strings on it. That’s crazy! This simple machine, this thing that’s been around for ages, has taken me places that I could only dream, all because I took a chance on something I loved. So just go on and do it. I’m rooting for ya. 

Pricing:

• Guitar Lessons!
• $25 for half-hour
• $45 for an hour

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://hyperfollow.com/jonshields
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonwshields/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonathonshieldsmusic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAdlRJndAlbXYmR88VKrSLA
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/jonathon-shields-1
• Other: https://www.patreon.com/m/jonshields

Image Credits
Ian Shields