Music from her new opera Criseyde (2010) was performed by the New York City Opera VOX festival, and is based on Chaucer's Troilus and Criseyde. Among among her other operas, Apocalypse was released by CRI Records, and Shaman and Mass for the Dead were premiered by the American Chamber Opera Company. Unique among classical composers, Shields has been a professional opera singer, performing traditional and modern roles at the New York City Opera and the Washington National Opera. She has performed Nattuvangam (South Indian rhythmic recitation) for Bharata Natyam dance-drama, and has studied Hindustani raga. All Shields' recent works are influenced by her immersion in Indian classical music and dance.