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The Art of Teaching: Meet Mark Shelton

Home Base: Lewisville

Teaching Specialty: Percussionist – Marimba, Hammered Dulcimer, Snare Drum, Handpan, Timpani.

Big Thought Teaching History: Mark Shelton has been a Big Thought teaching artist since 1987, when the organization was christened as Young Audiences of North Texas.
He is currently a teaching artist with the Thriving Minds and Learning Partners programs in Dallas ISD.

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, Louisiana; Master of Music (Percussion Performance) from East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina.

Teaching Philosophy: “In my work as a musician I desire that my music entertain, educate and inspire,” Mark says. “I am more interested in promoting creativity than creating great musicians.”

Why is Big Thought important? “Big Thought is an organization that upholds high standards in both artistry and education. My association with Big Thought has given me the opportunity to work with thousands of students.”

Rewards of Teaching Big Thought Students: “It has given me a vehicle to share my skills as a performer and an educator,” he says. “I enjoy it when students connect with me as they experience art. It is rewarding to hear enthusiastic applause from an auditorium full of students or see a smile from a child playing a simple rhythm in a workshop.”

– Mario Tarradell

Photo courtesy of Mark Shelton