Jeremiah Shaw ’11 chose Shenandoah because he wanted to continue his education while also being close to his family. Shaw credits his father and former cello professor Clyde Shaw and Director of Chamber Music and Professor of Viola and Chamber Music Doris Lederer for encouraging him to pursue his third degree at the university. “It’s a great place to live and to get a great education,” said Shaw. “The faculty are wonderful and supportive.”
Shaw’s fondest memories of his time at the university were working on music production projects in the recording studio. “It’s rare to have continuous access to a recording facility and to all the high end gear and microphones,” said Shaw. During his time as a student, he also had the unique opportunity of interning for the GRAMMY Award-winning classical music label Sono Luminus.
After graduating, Shaw returned to campus in 2017 to receive the Shenandoah Conservatory Alumnus of Excellence Award for his professional career achievements. He also performed in the conservatory’s guest artist series with his string quartet.
Shaw is the co-founder and cellist of Telegraph Quartet, where he tours, performs and records with the string quartet. The quartet was formed in 2013, and eight months later won the grand prize and gold medal at the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition. Then in 2016, the quartet won the Walter W. Naumburg Chamber Music Award, which has launched the careers of many of America’s most successful and famous string quartets. This prestigious award included a commission by composer Robert Sirota that premiered at Carnegie Hall in 2018. The quartet’s first album “Into the Light” was also released in 2018.
Currently, the quartet is the Ensemble in Residence at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM) and is a part of the chamber faculty. As a chamber faculty member, he coaches chamber ensembles in collegiate and precollege divisions at SFCM as well as teaches privately in the precollege.
In August 2023, Shaw’s quartet will be releasing its next album featuring two revolutionary composers of the 20th century, entitled “Divergent Paths.” The pieces are Ravel string quartet and Arnold Schoenberg string quartet No. 1. It will be vol.1 of 3 in a series called, “20th century Vantage Points.” Other composers that will be represented in the set are: Weinberg, Britten, Bacewicz and Alberga.
Prior to the Telegraph Quartet’s residency, Shaw began one with the Hausmann Quartet at San Diego State University.
Before coming to San Diego State, Shaw earned performance degrees from the Cleveland Institute of Music and The Juilliard School. At Shenandoah, learning music production and recording technology was his main focus. “The knowledge I gained from SU has enabled me to self produce recordings for my string quartet and gave me the skills as a producer for a solo bass album,” said Shaw.
Shaw’s advice to students is: “Practice practice practice! Network and build a community of musicians and supporters to sustain a long successful career wherever you are, be it performance, education, artist management, music therapy, etc. Stay in touch with all of your contacts to preserve and grow your network.”