Energetic, creative, patient, adaptable, and FUN, are all words that describe Ms. Shelby’s style of teaching music to her students.

Born in small-town Indiana, into a family of musicians, with dad as a choir teacher, Shelby enjoyed being immersed in the benefits of music education. One of her favorite memories is singing church with her sister and living in a house that always had some type of music playing.

Growing up, Shelby was exposed musical diversity and thus, has studied, learned, and performed Jazz, classical, pop, rock, worship, contemporary christian, and musical theatre.

In her school years, Shelby joined as many different musical ensembles as her schedule would allow. Doubling as a choir singer and a band member, many times Shelby would run backstage after singing in choir to grab her tenor saxophone and join the band.

Musical theater has also been a major part of Ms. Shelby’s life. She placed at the Indiana NATS Musical Theater Competition and has been cast major roles of many musicals.

Ms. Shelby has devoted her education and career to vocal jazz studies. She earned her place in the University of North Texas Jazz Singers ensemble and is the featured vocalist with the prestigious Three O’clock Lab Band.

In addition to teaching, Ms. Shelby loves to perform, regularly gigging around the DFW area singing rock, pop, and jazz music.

Ms. Shelby has experience in both private and group vocal teaching. For a few years now, she has enjoyed being on the educational staff at Butler University’s Jazz Camp. She is also an attendee and active member of the Jazz Education Network.

As a singer and songwriter, Ms. Shelby strives to “break the mold” and desires to share her unique style and sound to the world. She also loves to help her students write songs.

Because she knows the difference that music made in her life, Ms. Shelby gets excited when she has the chance to ignite this passion in her students.

Well-versed in both teaching and singing various genres, Ms. Shelby creates opportunities for students to learn and perform different genres on their musical journey.

One of Ms. Shelby’s primary musical goals is to inspire her students and find their “place” in music.

Education and Accomplishments:

• Vocal Jazz Performance Degree from the University of North Texas (in progress)
• Lead vocalist in the 3 o’clock UNT Lab Band
• Indiana NATS Musical Theater Competition placement – two time winner, “Best Mezzo Soprano”, 2nd and 3rd place
• Indiana Solo and Ensemble Competition – winner of the “Best Outstanding Soloist” award