KSOM Teacher Spotlight: Adam Shea- Music Instructor and Award Winning Songwriter

Adam Shea is a Co-Founder, teacher, and instrument repair tech at the Keen School of Music. Adam has taught music lessons for over a decade and has been playing and performing for even longer. Originally from Iowa, Adam is an award-winning songwriter and a seasoned performer, currently playing with country artist Krista Lynn Meadow.

We sat down with Adam to tell you more about who he is behind the scenes.

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INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

What did you want to be when you grew up?

Adam: Power Ranger rings a bell, but honestly, I wanted to be a musician of some sort; that was always pretty high on my list. Maybe a firefighter, things like that. I’ve really wanted to play guitar for most of my life.

What’s your favorite venue that you’ve ever played?

Adam: So far, Harrah’s Casino in Cherokee, North Carolina. They have an actual concert room, and that was pretty cool.

Who’s your favorite artist?

Adam: My favorite artist, currently, is probably Archspire. I listen to a lot of them. They’re your technical death metal band from Canada.

What’s your favorite instrument to teach?

Adam: Drums are always fun to teach. They may not be my main instrument, but we get to go in the drum room and be cavemen and hit things. Guitar is cool too.

When did you realize you wanted to pursue a music career?

Adam: I realized it pretty early on. I don't have an exact age- but as a kid, I remember being at my dad’s house (where he would have music going all the time), building guitars out of Legos, and playing along to Kiss songs.

How do you approach teaching students with different learning styles and skill levels?

Adam: I’ll usually try to see where they are to get a gauge for that. If they’re a rock-type person, then we might look at palm muting on guitar more than someone who enjoys pop music. It’s all case by case, but you’ve just gotta figure it out and work from there.

What is some advice that you give a student about performing and practicing? 

Adam: For practicing, this is something I do- which is to trick yourself into making it fun. You can sit and play your basic scales all day, but try to play them in different ways, whether it be a different technique or different intervals. Get creative with it and have fun. For performing, this plays into practicing- be so familiar with the songs that you get tired of them. Everyone gets nervous, and being able to play your songs without looking will help you. Go from there and look like a rockstar no matter what!

What is a breakthrough moment that you’ve had with a student?

Adam: A breakthrough moment I have with my students is when someone finally understands pinch harmonics because it’s one of the hardest things to teach and to do on guitar.

In the past, you reviewed hot sauces. What’s your favorite sauce that you’ve ever tried?

Adam: There is one that I can not think of the name of, but it’s got a green label, it’s a habanero hot sauce, and it just tastes great. 

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Where can we find you on social media?

INSTAGRAM: @Adam_Shea_Music

FACEBOOK: @Adam Shea Music

TIK TOK: @asheashredz

YOUTUBE: Adam Shea Music

If you enjoyed reading through our interview with Adam, you’ll probably enjoy doing lessons with him. Check out the Keen School of Music website or call 615-682-4939 for more information!