WELCOME!
MONICA SHRIVER is a saxophonist, composer, visual artist, bandleader, podcaster, educator, writer, and founder of Brave Musician®. Her work is rooted in improvisation, experimentation, and intuition; combining compositional and performance approaches of jazz with abstract expressionism to explore themes of togetherness, interaction, harmony, and adventure.
Shriver’s compelling and innovative artistic expression embraces imagination, expansion, vulnerability, generosity, collaboration, storytelling, reciprocity, and is deeply inspired by individual and collective human experiences. The Monica Shriver Quartet (MSQ) is an experimental jazz ensemble led by Monica Shriver, featuring original compositions, arranged standards, and spontaneous improvisations. Monica has released two albums, Acceptance (2023) and Unfolding (2024), each features her original abstract paintings as the cover art.
Monica is a 2025 Jazz Road Creative Residency recipient, 2025 New Music USA Creator Fund Awardee, Chamber Music America 2023 Performance Plus Grantee (funded through the generosity of the Doris Duke Foundation) and a Spring 2023 South Arts Jazz Road Artist (funded by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation with additional support from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.).
latest Happenings
Hey everyone! I’ve got a new video up on YouTube, an original of mine, played by my quartet called “Paw Prints”. It’s got a catchy melody and open free improv section, and hopefully reminds you of the playfulness and unpredictability of having a cat. This is the first song from the Jazz Influences and VICE VERSA show on October 12, 2025 at Dan Dion’s Gallery. Sometimes magic happens and this show was absolutely magical. I’m so grateful for Matt, Alec, and Josh who brought so much talent, flexibility, presence, and joy. Huge thanks to the New Music Creator Fund for investing in my vision and helping me bring it to life.
Jazz Influences and VICE VERSA Show #1 - Aug 2025
The Monica Shriver Quartet with special guest Rahsaan Barber on tour funded by Jazz Road, July 2023