Taylor Shaeffer 

Taylor Shaeffer is in his thirteenth year of teaching, eleven 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 2 certified through Missouri State 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 JTSD Discovery Singers.  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.  

In addition to his work as a music teacher, Taylor is currently serving as the 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.  He enjoys conducting multiple honor choirs a year and looks forward to conducting honor choirs around the country later this year. Taylor also enjoys composing and has had two pieces selected for JWPepper's Editors Choice!