Podcast - Shalon Lester
David Fogel Interviews Pianist
Shalon Lester
Hsin-I “Shalon” Lester, originally from Tainan, Taiwan, began her musical studies at an early age. By the age of three, she had embarked on her musical journey, and at ten, she secured a position as an accompanist at her local church. Shalon is a graduate of Tainan University of Technology and Music, where she received a diploma in Piano Performance. In 2007, she relocated to the United States to pursue both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in piano performance at Oklahoma City University, studying under Drs. Amy I-Lin Cheng and Steinway Artist, Sergio Monteiro. She has served as an accompanist for Oklahoma City University and served on the faculty at the University of Central Oklahoma. Shalon’s international career includes performances as both accompanist and soloist. Highlights include appearances featuring Gershwin’s Piano Concerto in F, Chopin’s Concerto No. 1 in F minor, and Debussy’s Prelude #7 at the Interharmony International Music Festival in Germany. Currently, she is a member of the music faculty at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith and serves as principal keyboardist and pianist for the Fort Smith Symphony, frequently performing as a featured soloist as well as being a collaborative pianist with the Perspectives Chamber Music Series. Shalon was accepted into the Grammy Recording Academy’s Class of 2026 where she is honored to serve, support and uplift the music community. Additionally, Shalon is the staff accompanist at Heritage Church, collaborating with her husband, the church’s music director, to support various services and events. Outside of her professional engagements, she values time spent with her daughters.
Please enjoy this long-format conversation between David Fogel (CEO, The Symphonina Foundation) and Shalon