Conductor & Founder

Sun Shin is an experienced orchestra conductor and music educator with over 20 years of teaching and performance experience. She currently serves as an orchestra director in New York, where she leads award-winning school ensembles and works closely with young musicians of all levels.

Her ensembles have consistently received top ratings at major festivals and adjudications, including Gold with Distinction at NYSSMA Level 6, the highest level of performance evaluation. In addition to her teaching and conducting career, Ms. Shin has also served as a NYSSMA Solo Festival adjudicator, reflecting her extensive experience and respected role within the music education community. She is passionate about creating meaningful ensemble experiences where students not only grow technically as musicians, but also develop confidence, discipline, teamwork, and a lifelong love of music.

Ms. Shin founded Queens Academic Orchestra with the vision of bringing high-quality orchestra experiences to students and adults in the Queens community, especially for those who may not have access to orchestra programs in school.

As both an orchestra educator and a mother of two children, Ms. Shin was deeply inspired to create the program after realizing that many schools in Queens offer limited or no orchestra opportunities compared to schools on Long Island. She wanted her own children — as well as other children in the community — to experience the joy of making music together, learning teamwork through ensemble playing, and building confidence through performance.

Because the orchestra was created with her own children in mind, Ms. Shin has dedicated herself to building the program with exceptional care, passion, and commitment. She strives to create the kind of supportive and inspiring musical environment that she would want for her own family — one where every student feels encouraged, challenged, valued, and connected through music.

Her goal is not only to teach students how to play an instrument, but also to help them grow into confident, disciplined, and compassionate individuals through the power of ensemble music-making.