Jeff Shaw is a native of Atlanta, Georgia. Shaw believes that growing up in this culturally advanced area gave him excellent opportunities to be exposed to the musical arts. Demonstrating an extraordinary interest in the piano at age four, Shaw began formal lessons at age five. A few years later he began formal study of the alto saxophone, bassoon, organ and voice. Throughout his adolescence, Shaw successfully participated in local and state auditions, competitions and music festivals. Because of his musical achievements and the invaluable experience gained through these formative years, selecting a career in music seemed a very natural choice. .

After being named the state winner in piano at a Georgia high school literary meet, Shaw decided to major in music performance. He attended Mercer University on a full scholarship, graduating with a bachelor of music in piano performance. Following undergraduate school, Shaw felt led to enter the full-time music ministry. Because of this important decision, he decided to earn a master’s degree in piano performance at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. At graduation, he was awarded “The Performer’s Certificate” for outstanding performance ability in piano. Remaining devoted to the Christian ministry, Shaw has served several churches in Florida, Kentucky, Virginia and Georgia. He currently serves as Minister of Music and Worship at First Baptist Church of Winder, Georgia. 

Beginning his teaching career at the age of sixteen, Jeff Shaw has been teaching private music lessons for 31 years. Several of his students have received recognition and honors at competitions and festivals. While holding his students to high expectations, Shaw strives to provide a relaxed and friendly teaching atmosphere. His style has met with much success throughout his teaching career. Shaw joined the piano staff of Preparatory Music, Inc. in 2003, where he maintains a studio of approximately 30 students. Through his own experiences as a performer, Shaw teaches the art of live performance to all of his students. His hope is that each one of his students will learn how much fun performing can be, thus experiencing the thrill of sharing one’s gifts with the world