Shana Downes is a renowned classical music artist who has made a significant impact in the world of music. Born on May 12, 1985, in New York City, Shana grew up in a family of musicians. Her father was a jazz pianist, and her mother was a classical violinist. From a young age, Shana was exposed to different genres of music, which sparked her interest in music. Shana began her music education at the age of five when she started taking piano lessons. She showed exceptional talent and dedication to music, which led her parents to enroll her in the Juilliard School Pre-College Division. At Juilliard, Shana received rigorous training in music theory, ear training, and piano performance. She also had the opportunity to perform in various concerts and competitions, which helped her develop her skills and confidence. After completing her pre-college education, Shana went on to study at the Juilliard School, where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance. During her time at Juilliard, Shana studied under the tutelage of renowned pianists such as Emanuel Ax, Yoheved Kaplinsky, and Robert McDonald. She also had the opportunity to perform in masterclasses with distinguished pianists such as Lang Lang, Murray Perahia, and András Schiff. Shana's talent and hard work paid off when she won several prestigious awards and competitions. In 2005, she won the Juilliard School Concerto Competition, which gave her the opportunity to perform with the Juilliard Orchestra at Alice Tully Hall. She also won the Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition in 2006, which is one of the most prestigious piano competitions in the world. This win catapulted her career, and she began to receive invitations to perform in major concert halls around the world. Shana's career as a concert pianist took off, and she began to perform in major concert halls such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Kennedy Center. She also performed with renowned orchestras such as the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. Her performances were highly acclaimed, and she received rave reviews from critics and audiences alike. In addition to her career as a concert pianist, Shana is also a dedicated music educator. She has taught at the Juilliard School, the Manhattan School of Music, and the Aspen Music Festival and School. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge and experience with young musicians and helping them develop their skills and love for music. Shana's dedication to music and her exceptional talent have earned her numerous accolades and awards. In 2010, she was awarded the Avery Fisher Career Grant, which is one of the most prestigious awards for young musicians in the United States. She was also named a Gilmore Young Artist in 2012, which is a highly selective award given to exceptional pianists. Shana continues to perform and teach, and she is committed to promoting classical music and inspiring the next generation of musicians. Her passion for music and her dedication to excellence have made her one of the most respected and admired classical music artists of her generation.

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