Meet the Founder

Hi, I'm Shauna - a soprano, music professor, social-emotional learning facilitator, and endurance athlete based in Los Angeles. I created First Instrument as a sacred vocal arts studio for singers and creative professionals who are ready to align their full humanity with their voice.

My performance journey began in North Carolina, rooted in the rich legacy of sacred Black American music. That foundation led me to perform solo sacred works with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra in 2004, and later to teach voice at the Community College of Allegheny County while earning my Associate of Science in Music with Honors. I continued my studies in classical voice/ opera and music therapy at Temple University's Boyer College of Music & Dance in Philadelphia.

When the pandemic eliminated all of my performance and teaching work overnight, I turned to road cycling as a path through grief and uncertainty. For five years, cycling became central to my healing and wellness philosophy. Then in March 2025, my bike was stolen: in that moment of loss, I began practicing Transcendental Meditation twice daily - a practice that transformed everything. TM didn't just help me process the loss - it catalyzed my evolution from singer and music teacher to the founder of First Instrument. Through cycling and meditation, I discovered that vocal strength is inseparable from physical health, emotional regulation, and spiritual wellness, which became the foundation of my proprietary Integrative Vocal Wellness™ framework.

My approach integrates foundational vocal technique with social-emotional learning, positive psychology, and anti-racist pedagogy. I guide students in building a healthy & sustainable relationship with their instrument - whether they're performing on stage, leading a classroom, or learning to speak their truth with more clarity and power. Your voice is your first instrument, and it deserves reverence, care, and confidence.

I serve as the voice faculty at Musicians Institute in Los Angeles, working with emerging international artists, musicians, and vocalists. I'm also a board member with Wellbeing in Entertainment & Creative Arts (WECA), and co-founded the Black Coalition of Dancers in 2020. First Instrument is one of three mission-based brands I manage through Creative Alchemy Alliance, alongside Fierce Stitch (fiber arts) and CycleBae (cycling and wellness coaching).

Wherever you are in your journey, First Instrument is here to support your creativity and vocal health while reconnecting you to your sacred voice.

And if you have a dog, tell them Auntie Shauna says hi! 🐾