Music is a part of me. It all began when I purchased Nirvana's Nevermind on cassette and has continued to evolve and influence me as a guitarist and fan. Although interests have changed I have always appreciated stripped down acoustic driven music.

I began playing guitar at the age of 12 with my friends Michael Tobin and Alex Barron. We formed a group soon after called The Establishment which had a successful 8 year run playing at coffee shops, clubs and bars. It is with them that I discovered my passion for music and because of them I have stuck with playing and have aquired quite the instrument collection (I currently own a Taylor, Martin and Ovation acoustic guitars, two Fender Telecasters, two Fender amps and various foot pedals, and microphones.).

When I reached college and was without The Establishment I felt the pull of the stage and wanted to perform music again in this new environment. Soon after Not For Scholars was born. With this band of musicians I found myself in a professional recording studio and toured from Pennsylvania and through New England making stops in Boston, New York and Hartford along the way. I have had the priviledge of sharing the stage with national acts like Rusted Root, Pete Francis of Dispatch, Reel Big Fish and Granian.

In May of 2004, I graduated from the University of Hartford with a bachelors degree in Communication with an emphasis in Public Relations. Since graduation, I have been working at a public relations firm and have started a website design business on the side (please visit www.shawnmurphy.net for more info).

Although the 9 to 5 can be rough at times, the thought of playing music with Northern Point at a gig or rehersal is all the motivation I need to get through the day.