Hi! My name is Daniel Shan, and I was born in 2005 in Shanghai, China. I am studying at Carnegie Mellon University, pursuing a double major in Music Composition and Music Technology.

Daniel Shan

Composer, producer, pianist

My Journey in Music

When I was five, I began learning classical piano, which introduced me to the marvelous and vibrant world of music. It provided a solid foundation for my musical journey and quickly became my favorite instrument due to its wide range and rich, colorful timbre. I continue to take professional piano lessons, striving to improve and refine my skills.

Singing in Choir

I have a deep love for choral music. I started singing in a children's choir in the 2nd grade and cherished all the wonderful moments of singing and performing together. I am still an active member of the school choir, and as a composer, I have even written my own choral piece.

Music Composition

In 9th grade, I decided to pursue a future as a musician and began learning music production, primarily using Logic Pro. While it's not technically 'music composition,' it allows me to freely express my musical ideas. I also learned how to record, mix, and master audio, which have become essential skills for me.

At that time, I mainly listened to pop music and musical theater, which inspired me to write many songs during high school. After writing each song, I would record a demo by singing it myself.

I also have a huge passion toward film music. I produced the music for a 45 minutes movie filmed by the Film Club in my high school.

I was admitted to Carnegie Mellon University as a Music Technology major, but I discovered a passion for classical composition and decided to pursue a double major in Music Composition. Learning to compose hasn't been easy, but my experience as a pianist and music producer allowed me to progress quickly. As I studied more music theory and composed piece after piece, I gradually improved. I am also exploring my own musical style, aiming to infuse my music with a distinct personality.