Hello! My name is Shaun, and I'm a music teacher in Boise, Idaho, USA. I teach a contemporary program to grades 6-12 at a public school, but it's probably not the kind of music program you're used to seeing. Most of the kids play guitar, drums, bass, and keys, and I break them up into small bands to play all kinds of modern music and write their own songs. It's kind of like a school of rock.

Most of my life revolves around music activities, whether teaching, practicing, performing, or attending shows. Saxophone is my main thing, but I dabble in a bunch of stuff. I also enjoy the outdoors, but unfortunately a back problem keeps me from doing anything too intense. I'm getting more into cooking, I love movies, and I have a habit of posting ridiculous shit on social media to get a laugh out of my friends.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I've been meaning to do some more traveling for some time. My family used to travel a lot in my youth, but after college I got pretty wrapped up in figuring out how to make a living in music, and I'm only now feeling the freedom to finally explore these possibilities. I don't have many travel buddies here locally, and traveling completely on my own doesn't sound super fun, so I'm looking to connect with people in the places that I visit. I thought couchsurfing might help with that.

Interests

• wildlife
• music festivals
• nightlife
• movies
• music
• history
• science
• nature
• art museums
• history and culture

Music, Movies, and Books

I've spent a lot of my life listening to music that more or less fits under the huge umbrella term of "jazz". I also gravitate toward songwriters who are doing really new and creative things. Some of it can be pretty obscure, but I can get into the popular stuff too, and I try and be open to all kinds of music.

I like to hit up films at the local independent movie theater, but I'm not above checking out a Hollywood blockbuster here and there. On Netflix I'm usually bouncing back and forth between documentaries and comedy. Currently binging Key and Peele.

I love reading but I'm a little too ADD for it sometimes, so I don't do it as much as I think I should. Coming from a family of readers, it's a source of guilt.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I think if you went to one of my students' concerts and saw them rock out on all the amazing songs they write, you'd think it was pretty awesome. It's cool that I get to be a part of that.

Teach, Learn, Share

Always available to answer questions about music! It's never too late to start if you're thinking about a new hobby.

I lived in Mexico for a couple years long ago, so I'd love some help with brushing up on my Spanish.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Anything I can do to repay the time, resources, and kindness of my hosts, I'd love to do.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, England, Ireland, Japan, Mexico, Scotland

Countries I’ve Lived In

Mexico, United States