About

Dr. Tommy Shapard earned his M.S. in Coaching (Mental Performance) from the University of South Carolina and is currently pursuing certification through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology under the guidance of a CMPC mentor. He supports a widely diverse client base from performing artists and athletes to educators and students (high school and college). Dr. Shapard is also committed to empowering those in high-pressure professions, including professionals, first responders, and tactical athletes. If you are seeking to strengthen your mental skills for success, Dr. Shapard welcomes the opportunity to work with you —whatever your stage.

A man wearing glasses and a black polo shirt with white text, standing in front of a whiteboard, giving a presentation to a group. The whiteboard has handwritten notes about self-talk and positive attitudes. The room has dark brick walls, and there are students sitting and listening.

Dr. Shapard also collaborates with ensembles, athletic teams, and professional groups across education, business, and other high-demand environments. Drawing on his experience as an athlete in his younger years, along with decades of performance experience as a singer, conductor, and teacher, Shapard brings a unique understanding of the mental, emotional, and interpersonal dynamics that drive excellence in both individual and team settings. His experience allows him to tailor strategies that foster resilience, enhance communication, and strengthen cohesion, helping groups perform at their best under pressure while cultivating a supportive and empowering culture.

Performing Experience

Dr. Shapard has spent three decades as a performing artist and music educator, working with individuals and ensembles of all ages in diverse settings—from schools and universities to community organizations and faith communities. He is currently in his ninth year as Professor of Music and Director of Choral and Vocal Activities at Florida State College at Jacksonville, where he leads choral ensembles and mentors students pursuing careers in the arts. In addition to his work in higher education, Dr. Shapard has served for 17 years as Associate Pastor of Music and Worship at Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church, where he combines his passion for music and leadership to create meaningful worship experiences.

Athletics

A group of six diverse people standing and singing or performing in a room, with some wearing matching black shirts with a blue logo.
A man with glasses, wearing a light-colored shirt and a dark vest, is gesturing with his hands and appears to be speaking or performing in front of a dark backdrop.
A man wearing glasses and a black robe with a green stole, standing at a podium with a book, speaking into a microphone.
A man wearing sunglasses, a black headband, and a black shirt takes a selfie outdoors with green foliage in the background. He has a medal around his neck from the 2021 Gate River Run.
A young man and an older man smiling and sitting on a basketball court. The young man is wearing a basketball jersey, and the older man is dressed casually. They are posing with a basketball on the court, and there is a basketball hoop in the background. The photo is from 1988, as indicated by the text at the bottom.

Outside of his professional life in music and mental performance coaching, Dr. Shapard’s love for sports has remained a constant. As a child and teenager, his first passion was basketball, and he continues to stay active through regular exercise and playing golf with his family. He is also an enthusiastic follower of college football, the PGA Tour, and other professional sports—interests that keep him closely linked to the world of competitive athletics that first inspired his commitment to high-level performance.

Family and Education

A family of five taking a selfie at a golf course near a pond with trees and a clubhouse in the background during daytime.

Dr. Shapard and the Rev. Rachel Gunter Shapard have been married for 24 years. Their three kids each perform on different stages of their own. Drew (19) is a vocal performance major at Florida State University, Kate (15) is a sophomore at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts focusing on musical theater, and Mac (14) is a rising junior golfer entering his freshman year at Wolfson High School. The Shapards have lived in Jacksonville for 17 years.

Man in academic regalia speaking at graduation ceremony, surrounded by graduates in caps and gowns.

Dr. Shapard received his B.M.E (Vocal/Choral) from Baylor University in 1997, M.Div (emphasis in worship) from Candler School of Theology (Emory University), M.M. (Music Performance, Conducting) from the University of North Florida in 2016, D.P.M. (Community Music and Racial Justice) from Southern Methodist University in 2021, and M.S. Coaching (Mental Performance) from the University of South Carolina in 2025.