About
Patricia Shanks has been composing and arranging music since 1973. A professional vocalist, voice teacher, and choral conductor of child, teen, adult, and senior choirs, she is well-versed in writing for the voice. Click on the Compositions link for samples and purchase information.
My Story
As a youngster I took it upon myself to learn how to read music and play the piano. Throughout high school I accompanied singers, played piano for musicals and with the jazz stage band, and wrote and arranged music for choirs and stage band. In my college years, I enjoyed writing compositions for various combinations of singers and instruments, receiving top marks for my work which was performed outside of the school setting. During those years, a fellow student asked me to compose the music for his senior project. The resulting project, a religious musical, garned him an A grade. The show subsequently toured the United States, receiving rave reviews everywhere it was performed.
Much later, while directing the Amadeus Boys and Girls Choirs at Moorpark College in the late 1990s, I composed the piece which I have posted on this site to kick-off promoting my composing.
Life's re-directions have kept me from taking this step for 30 years. I decided it's about time I do something about it!
As I continue to focus on this aspect of my work, I plan to offer more of my music here. Thank you for your interest. Please contact me - if for no other reason than to congratulate me for finally doing this. I very much look forward to hearing from you.