About Brett Shin
Brett Shin is a Korean-American clarinetist, composer, and multi-instrumentalist with expertise in piano, violin, viola, flute, baritone saxophone, percussion, and electronic wind instruments, which he began learning at a young age. Throughout his high school years, Brett actively participated in various musical endeavors, including Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, and Percussion Ensemble. He also served as section leader for the clarinet section in the Marching Band. Additionally, Brett performed in the pit orchestra for his high school’s production of The Wizard of Oz, playing both clarinet and baritone saxophone.
Brett has demonstrated a strong commitment to community service, earning the Bronze Presidential Volunteer Service Award for completing over 100 hours of volunteer work. He also received recognition for his contributions to the Love-In Music program, where he volunteered to teach elementary school students weekly.
Currently, Brett is pursuing a Bachelor of Music degree in Film and Media Scoring at Berklee College of Music, with an expected graduation date in Spring 2026.
Education
2016 - 2020
High School Diploma
Portola High School
Brett is a graduate of Portola High School in Irvine, California, where he dedicated much of his time to studying music alongside his academic coursework. His musical education included participation in both Wind and Jazz Ensembles, as well as coursework in music theory and music technology..
2020-Current
B.M. in Film Scoring
Berklee College of Music
Brett is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Music degree in Film and Media Scoring at Berklee College of Music, where he is focused on composition for film, orchestration, arranging, and mixing. Additionally, he is exploring various music genres and studying the works of diverse artists to further enhance his musical expertise.
Artist Statement
I visualize music as a fusion of joy and creativity. The true enjoyment comes to me when a musical idea suddenly emerges, whether through composition or performance, sparking a desire to explore even more ideas in that very moment. My approach to discovering new musical concepts involves immersing myself in a variety of genres, carefully analyzing the techniques employed by performers and composers. When listening to the works of composers who inspire me—such as John Williams, Michael Giacchino, Danny Elfman, and Brian Tyler—I make it a point to take note of the specific compositional methods they use to craft memorable pieces.
As a clarinetist and composer, I aim to explore the vast array of musical ideas present in the world. Interacting with new people from diverse backgrounds and hearing their works fosters the creative flow I deeply value. These are the moments when I often find myself generating new ideas that I eagerly jot down. However, there are times when the flow of creativity stalls, and I experience the frustration of a blank mind, a feeling that many musicians can relate to. I’ve learned that the key to reigniting the creative process is to connect with others, discovering their musical journeys and drawing inspiration from their work.
