ABOUT

Zoe Imani Shepard is a classically trained performer, educator, and jazz violinist. She is a Jacobs School of Music alumna in Violin Performance and is continuing her studies at IU, pursuing a Masters in Jazz Studies. After over a decade of dedication, her love for music has not died. Her natural enthusiasm for music married with a diligent work ethic has allowed her to make remarkable achievements and discover her greatest passions: sharing her love of music through performing and teaching.

She is a product of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s Talent Development Program. During her fellowship (2017-2020), she frequently performed in solo recitals, orchestra, and chamber music concerts. Most notably, in 2020 the University of Georgia invited her to perform at the building naming ceremony of Mary Frances Early, the college’s first African American graduate. She served as a leader in her community orchestras and chamber groups and placed in competitions such as the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity 2020 Talent Hunt Competition and the Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra Scholarship Competition. 

Zoe’s interest in teaching began in 2020. The process of helping a student grow in their musical journey entranced her, and since then, she has worked with students of all ages, teaching both classical and jazz. Zoe was the lead instructor at a non-profit organization, Henry for Music, in Stockbridge, GA; she’s taught virtually for Golden Fiddles Studio, located in North Carolina; at Melody Music Shop, a local music store in Bloomington, IN; and runs her own studio under the name Zoe Imani Music. Her teaching extends to all musicians through her book: “Practice Journal: A Mindful Guide for Musicians" and her guide “Thinking Like an Athlete: A String Musician’s Guide to Warm Up and Cool Down.”

In 2023, Zoe decided to take up jazz lessons after falling in love with Lindy Hop, a swing dance style that sprung from the swing era of the 1930s. Since then, she’s pursued the genre fully and has studied under the leadership of Wayne Wallace, Tom Walsh, and Rachel Caswell. Most notably, she was fortunate to participate in Jazz Girls Day in Noblesville, IN led by Monika Herzig, and the IU Jazz Celebration (2025) featuring Sara Caswell, Dave Stryker, and Greg Ward.

Outside of teaching and performing music, she regularly dances Lindy Hop across the country, is the president and teaches classes for the IU Swing Dance Club, has made finals and placed in several Lindy Hop competitions, and aspires to one day make music for the swing dance community.