Classicism Meets Modernism

Shawn Johnson believes in the fusion of classic design and modern techniques. He blends popular influences with cultivated ones in order to create new sonic worlds.

Shawn Johnson’s Masters Thesis on the Works of Kendrick Lamar Available Here

Shawn Johnson’s The Cardinal Takes Flight, was recently featured by The American Composers Orchestra and performed at the Manhattan School of Music during Earshot Readings. See the linked video (The Cardinal Takes Flight begins one hour and twenty-two minutes into the Earshot recording)

Link directly to The Cardinal Takes Flight beginning:

https://youtu.be/KeaHEWyoCts?t=4943

For more information about the 2025 American Composers orchestra Earshot Readings:

https://www.americancomposers.org/post/american-composers-orchestra-announces-spring-2025-earshot-readings-and-new-partnership-with-bmi-foundation

When the Storms of Life are Raging Stand by Me” by Shawn Johnson, inspired by and dedicated to Rev. Charles Albert Tindley

Performed by:

Adam Szymborski, violin

Alice Rosario, viola

Zayla Carter, clarinet

Kristina Rhoeller, Cello

Mosaic by Shawn Johnson

Performed by:

Evan Martschenko

The Last Leaf of Fall

A new composition by Shawn Johnson. This piece is dedicated to fall which is both a time of harvest and a time of transition, preparing us for the harsh winter that follows. This work features a bittersweet tone designed to resemble the feelings of transition in life from one chapter to another (best enjoyed with headphones).

Composed and Performed by Shawn Johnson

Fragments No. 1 for Solo Violin, by Shawn Johnson

Performed by:

Adam Szymborski

Little Serenade for Solo Cello, by Shawn Johnson

Performed by:

Adam Schreiber

Scores and Additional Works Available Upon Request