Shanna Toczek, harp

Shanna Toczek began her music journey at the age of five, playing the piano in her hometown of Keller,TX. Her true passion was harp, which she began playing at the age of 10. During her high school years, she joined the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra under the direction of German Gutierrez and performed at special events around the Dallas and Fort Worth areas. At the age of 19, Shanna competed in the Young Artist Concerto Competition, sponsored by the Fort Worth Symphony. She was awarded honorable mention, earning her a spot as a guest soloist with the Fort Worth Orchestra, performing the Gliere’ Harp Concerto for Harp and Orchestra.  After high school, Shanna continued studying music at Texas Christian University and later transferred to the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University. She received her B.M. in Harp Performance under the instruction of world-renowned Susann McDonald. 

 Shanna participated in numerous music festivals, including Bowdoin College, Maine, where she studied under June Han, the professor of Harp at Yale University.   She also participated in chamber music festivals in Fort Worth at Texas Christian University where she performed several pieces, including the Ravel Introduction et Allegro for Harp, Flute, Clarinet, and String Quartet; and Debussy Sonata for Flute, Viola, and Harp. 

Shanna began teaching in 2015 as a local harpist in Pensacola, FL, while also performing for special events around the area.  She has since moved to Coastal Carolina with her wonderful husband, becoming a mother to a beautiful daughter. She is looking forward to sharing her passion for music with students of all ages at the inspiring Brooklyn Arts Music Academy.