International Concert Artist at Home in Dundalk

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Ryan Shookman has given piano recitals across the United States and in 22 countries. Not only does his repertoire include everything from Rachmaninoffs Second Piano Concerto to Merrily We Roll Along, he directs musicals, teaches, coaches vocalists and plays string bass and cello. A scholarship winner since childhood, Shookman graduated from the prestigious Juilliard School in Manhattan. He holds four masters performance diplomas from Le Conservatoire Nationale de Musique ?aris. During his student days, transatlantic travel back and forth from New York to France for study and performance was somewhat fatiguing. Sometime later he made his debut at Carnegie Hall. Shookman settled in Dundalk three and a half years ago after meeting his then-future partner Mark Schaefer at a party in Washington, D.C. A few people made known they are happy Shookman is here. Nancy Fischer, Chairperson of the Worship Committee of the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd on Sollers Point Road, said, Hes wonderful. His playing is lovely. He is really welcomed by the congregation. He makes us all feel so good. Chelsea Stewart, an English teacher at Dundalk High, takes lessons from him. I love learning new things, but sometimes I feel awkward. He always helps me, and then I feel better, she noted. Stewart doesnt own a piano, but she practices on Shookmans keyboard or at a friends house who has a piano. Alice March, owner of the Knotty Pine at Conkling Street and Fait Avenue in Highlandtown, is always pleased when Shookman comes to visit. He brings an electronic keyboard for sing-alongs. Patrons can choose their favorite songs from thousands for him to play. His passion for music and talent has brought so much life into our establishment. It has brought in people of all ages. He plays Broadway or general tunes, opera or show tunes, things people know and love. She added, He has been teaching my grandson Riley, age 14, for about six months to play the piano. It has helped give Riley self-confidence. The next sing-along is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 11, 8 p.m. - 1 a.m. Shookman observed about his growing up in southern California, It is pretty there, but I enjoy the sense of community in Dundalk, where people know each other or know people who know them. In southern Orange County, every few years another tract of cookie cutter houses would spring up, and the people are strangers. Referring to the variety of architecture and age of many buildings in Dundalk, he opined, I enjoy the quaintness. Shookman also likes having history right around the corner such as at Fort Howard and Fort McHenry. Other positives are parks and water everywhere with special mention of Merritt Park. He goes crabbing in the summer. A favorite spot is Hermans Bakery on Holabird Avenue. Every year he treats himself to strawberry shortcake on his birthday. Shookmans wish list for his future includes a teaching venue in Canton and giving small, intimate, evening piano recitals. He strives to help people appreciate classical music by explaining the visual images, drama and emotions concealed within each piece. In addition to private piano students at CCBC-Dundalk and church work, he has directed musicals at the Bay Theatre and Colonial Players East Street Theater in Annapolis. Contact him at rys42@yahoo.com.