Punch Shaw is a freelance journalist, teacher and speaker.  He is a frequent contributor to the arts pages of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and other publications, covering events and topics that include classical music, opera, rock and pop, jazz, theatre, dance, the visual arts and the electronic media.

In addition to teaching in the Schieffer School, Dr. Shaw currently serves as a visiting scholar to the Tarleton State University Presidential Honors Program where he lectures on the visual and performing arts.  He has taught a variety of classes for TCU’s Department of Extended Education, where his offerings have included courses on classical music, opera, the Beatles, and an overview of the local arts scene called “Intro to Cowtown Culture.” 

His regular speaking duties include Meet the Music, a monthly lecture series on classical music held at Borders Books and Music, and pre-performance lectures for all Fort Worth Opera performances.  He has also authored program notes for the Fort Worth Symphony and Fort Worth Opera.

Dr. Shaw has previously held faculty positions at the University of Texas-Austin, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, and TCU.   From 1993 to 1998, he was a telecommunications specialist and curriculum designer for GTE VisNet in Irving, a branch of the telephone company concerned primarily with video production.  He began his journalism career in 1974 as a reporter and music columnist for the Memphis Press-Scimitar.  He has also covered the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition for UPI and other clients, and served as an arts columnist for Fort Worth, Texas and Chile Pepper magazines. 

M.A. University of Texas

Ph.D. University of Texas