Auburn College of Education doctoral student competes in prestigious vocal competition

Auburn College of Education doctoral student Tamarceo Shaw recently had the opportunity to show off his passion for vocal music at the George Shirley Vocal Competition at the University of Michigan.

The competition was co-founded by George Shirley, the first Black tenor and second Black man to sing leading roles at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, and his former student, Louise Toppin.

“Competing was important to me because it allowed me to continue exploring and performing music by Black composers, a repertoire I am passionate about,” Shaw said. “It also gave me the opportunity to connect with and receive feedback from world-renowned judges.”

Associate Professor of Music Education Jane Kuehne said the George Shirley Competition aligned perfectly with Shaw’s academic aspirations.

“His participation as a semi-finalist in the George Shirley competition speaks to his continued development as educator, researcher and outstanding performer,” she said.

In addition to the competition, Shaw was also selected to participate in the Harry T. Burleigh masterclass with University of Georgia Associate Professor of Music Gregory Broughton.

“Overall, I had a wonderful experience at the competition,” Shaw said. “It was an incredible opportunity filled with learning, growth and a lot of fun. I’m truly grateful for the chance to compete and to connect with great singers from across the country.”

 

Shaw graduated from Auburn’s College of Education with an education specialist degree in Vocal Music Education in December 2022 before returning to pursue his doctorate in the same subject.

“I chose to pursue my Ph.D. in Vocal Music Education at Auburn University because of the outstanding music education faculty and the opportunity to continue working with Dr. Jane Kuehne, my doctoral advisor,” Shaw said. “Dr. Kuehne was also my advisor during my educational specialist degree program at Auburn, and I really enjoyed learning from her. She has been a great mentor throughout my time at Auburn, and I am very thankful for her guidance and support.”

Shaw’s research focuses on vocal pedagogy, which is the study of vocal teaching and includes topics such as breathing, vocal anatomy and physiology, body alignment, tone and vocal health.

“My favorite part of my Ph.D. program has been the research courses I’ve taken,” Shaw said. “I’ve enjoyed learning about different research approaches and exploring how they can be applied to vocal pedagogy. I also appreciated the engaging class discussions with my colleagues, which gave us the opportunity to exchange ideas, learn from one another and deepen our understanding of the research process.”

Shaw expects to graduate with his doctorate in spring 2027 and hopes to continue growing as both a professional singer and a vocal music educator.

“I really enjoy both performing and teaching, and I would like to expand my work in vocal music education by leading workshops, presenting masterclasses and giving lectures that support the development of singers and music educators,” Shaw said.

The support from his professors and colleagues in the doctoral program has been instrumental in Shaw’s academic and professional growth, which he says has stuck with him through his time in the College of Education.

“Following your dreams is one of the best decisions you can make,” Shaw said. “Music has taken me to incredible places and introduced me to amazing people. Create a plan, believe in yourself and pursue your goals with purpose. The journey is worth it. You won’t regret it.”