Check out my flute cover of “Best Friend” from one of her early albums titled “Brandy.”

I don’t own ANY rights to this music. Brandy did that!! 

Stay tuned for more covers and some original music.

Best Friend Cover

Funky “Diamonds and Pearls” Prince vibe. Highlighted French Horn excerpt from Mahler’s first symphony, with historically political significance for the subject of freedom amongst indigenous people and the majority.

FREEDOM- Shanyse Nicole feat. Xposyur

My name is Shanyse Strickland, and I am a French Horn player, flute player and vocalist. I play and record a mixture of classical, jazz, hip-hop & RnB music, all in aims of uniting the different cultures of each genre, specifically the disconnect between the classical arts and contemporary/pop music. In my music you can hear snippets of classical music excerpts with context from non-traditional genres like neo-soul and pop. 

I currently freelance in the Pittsburgh area, but I’m originally from Akron, OH. I got my BA at Youngstown State University, MM at Duquesne University and will be getting an AD at Montclair State University in New Jersey in September 2019. 

While in Ohio I was in the section of the Ohio Players for a short time as a trombonist (I play that too) and flutist for the group. Upon graduating and moving to Pittsburgh, I regularly gig with a few local bands in the area, including the Level Up Band and the Tubby Daniels Band. I was a part of a performance/documentary honoring Betty Davis, the mother of funk. This event opened up another opportunity months later, where I performed for the Black Women Rock during the Pittsburgh Jazz Festival, where I shared the stage with the legendary singer Nona Hendrix. Along with playing in horn sections and as a soloist, I perform my own original music along with covers around the city.

My goal is to bridge gaps culturally, musically and spiritually with the gifts that I’ve been given. I want to share this process with as many artists as possible, so if you need added colors to your mix, hit me up. Link in the bio.