Shannon Mustard

About Shannon

Shannon Mustard is a violinist and music educator from Elgin, Scotland. She is pursuing her Doctorate of Musical Arts at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, where she studies with Professor Timothy Lees, and serves as his graduate teaching assistant.

Mustard is a violinist and teacher with the Cincinnati String Project, a non-profit organization that provides free music education in Title I schools, and accessible, community-centered chamber music performances throughout Cincinnati.

Mustard is an active member of the Cincinnati freelance scene, performing regularly with the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra, Richmond Symphony Orchestra, and the Ohio Valley Symphony. She was a fellow at the National Repertory Orchestra during its 2022 season and has previously performed with ensembles including the Oistrakh Symphony of Chicago, the Northbrook Symphony Orchestra, and the 5th Wave Collective.

A passionate advocate for folk music, Mustard integrates traditional repertoire into her performances and teaching, serving on the faculty of the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago from 2021 to 2023. Mustard is the co-founder and violinist of the string duo Atlantic Harmony with her husband, cellist Joe Kovac. Together they have performed recital series, benefit concerts, and provided community outreach and engagement since the duo’s founding in 2023.