OVERVIEW


Crafting Musical Excellence

Geoff Shell is your comprehensive resource in the world of music and audio, providing end-to-end solutions from concept to the final product. With over a decade of passionate and professional experience, Geoff serves as a composer, producer, performer, multi-instrumentalist, and dedicated music educator based in San Marcos, California.

In the realm of performance, Geoff has contributed his skills as a bassist to notable bands such as Polarcode, Chicago Afrobeat Project (featuring Tony Allen), Josh Nelson Project, and Handler. His diverse musical journey includes writing a full-length musical inspired by the iconic "Where's The Beef?" lady, appearances on ABC’s Windy City Live as a recognized music expert, and the publication of licensed music featured on TNT, MTV2, and E! Television networks. Geoff's original compositions have graced feature and short films, with one even earning recognition as an official Sundance Festival entry.

As a graduate of Berklee College of Music with Magna Cum Laude honors in Film Scoring, Geoff's musical education under luminaries like Sheldon Mirowitz, Andrew List, Dave Buda, and Joe Santerre has shaped his versatile skill set. Geoff's professional journey commenced with composing and sound design for a trilogy of music education products, and his expertise spans concert music, film, commercials, theater, and software.

In addition to his rich musical background, Geoff currently shines as the keyboardist and vocalist for Pretending Chrissie, a tribute band dedicated to the Pretenders and classic rock. Simultaneously, he co-founded Ghost Radio, an alternative rock ensemble exploring the sounds of the 1990s and 2000s, where Geoff serves as bassist, guitarist, and vocalist. Adding to his diverse musical engagements, Geoff contributes his talents as pianist and accompanist at Congregation Beth Israel, a historic center of Jewish life in San Diego.

Geoff Shell is not merely a musician; he is a multifaceted artist and educator offering a spectrum of creative services. Whether performing on stage, composing for various mediums, or guiding aspiring musicians, Geoff's journey resonates with a deep passion for music and a commitment to artistic excellence.

 
 

Commissions / Clinics / Guest Artist Positions:

2004
University Of Chicago (composed 3-minute piece for Wind Ensemble commemorating centennial anniversary of Mandel Hall, commissioned by Wayne Gordon)

2005
Deerfield High School (composed complex 5-minute piece for Senior Wind Ensemble commissioned by Daniel Brame)

2006
Wood Oaks Jr. High School (arranged school fight song for marching band)

2007
Oak Park/River Forest High School / Northbrook School District 27 / Deerfield High School (clinician / performer - Apple Garageband demos)

2009
Deerfield High School (Artist-In-Residence position, serving as clinician, performer, lecturer, private instructor, composer and conductor)

2009
Highland Park High School (Focus On The Arts '09 clinician and performer)

2013
Highland Park High School (Focus On The Arts '13 performer) 

2014
Glencoe Middle School (composed 5-minute piece for Jazz Band commemorating music department's NAMM Award, commissioned by Kristen Hanna) 

2015
Caruso Jr. High School (composed a piece for concert band commissioned by Toni Slepak)