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About
Taylor Shaeffer
Taylor Shaeffer is in his eleventh year of teaching, nine of which have been in elementary music. He currently teaches in Nixa, Missouri at John Thomas School of Discovery (JTSD). JTSD is a public STEAM school that serves students kindergarten thru sixth grade. Taylor has a degree from Missouri State University in Music Education and a Masters degree in Education Administration from William Woods University. He is also Kodaly Level 1 certified through Evangel University. Taylor has had three groups perform at the Missouri Music Educator's Association Conference, in 2017 with the Reed Academy 6th Grade Select Singers, 2019 with the JTSD Treble Choir, and 2021 with the JTDS Discovery Singers. In addition to his work as a conductor, Taylor is currently serving as Vice-President of Kodaly of the Ozarks and has previously served as SCMMEA Elementary Vice-President and Vice-President on the board of Boys Choir of Springfield. Taylor has three goals for his students when they leave his program: that they love music, can sight read music, and sing with good tone.
JTSD Treble Choir Singing "The Fox"
For more information about ordering "The Fox" please click HERE
1. Love Music
The number one goal I have in my classroom is for students to fall in love with music. The music classroom should be a place of exploring new cultures, building each other up and finding ways to express ourselves.
2. Sight Read
Teaching students to properly read music is a massive undertaking but one that must be done! Students need to be able to analyze music in order to connect to the music and be better performers. Eventually they will leave our programs and we need to give them the tools to succeed!
3. Sing with good tone.
Singing with good placement is key for singers. Singing with proper head tone gives students the freedom to sing healthily. If you can get someone to sing well, they can use that skill for the rest of their lives!