Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Yolanda Knight

Sharon

Summary

Experienced music educator and program leader with a strong background in curriculum design, ensemble direction, and student mentorship. Skilled in developing inclusive, performance-driven learning environments and collaborating across departments to support academic and artistic growth. Seeking to leverage K–12 instructional expertise, program administration, and community engagement experience to contribute to higher education music programs or academic administration.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience

Work History

Instrumental Music Educator

Boston Symphony Orchestra
Boston
06.2023 - Current

Facilitated music and interdisciplinary arts instruction for middle-school students in the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s Days in the Arts (DARTS) program at both Boston and Tanglewood sites.

Designed and delivered engaging, student-centered lessons that emphasized music performance, creativity, collaboration, and arts appreciation.

Collaborated with professional teaching artists across multiple disciplines to provide a comprehensive, immersive arts education experience.

Fostered an inclusive and supportive learning environment that promoted self-expression, confidence, and leadership through the arts.

Supported student engagement through hands-on workshops, ensemble activities, and exposure to live performances and professional artistic settings.

Instrumental Music Educator

Boston Public Schools
Boston
08.2012 - Current

Developed and assessed curriculum for woodwinds, brass, and percussion pedagogy.

Coordinated performances and planned events to showcase student talent.

Implemented ensemble conducting techniques to enhance rehearsal effectiveness.

Facilitated student growth in classroom management and musical development.

Lead Teacher

Boston Public Schools
Boston
08.2020 - 08.2025

Facilitated professional development sessions aligned with our instructional focus and school improvement initiatives.

Facilitated department meetings to enhance instructional practices.

Modeled effective teaching strategies to promote best practices.

Collaborated with administrators and support staff on school improvement initiatives.

Supported implementation of school-wide initiatives and improvement plans.

Resolved conflicts and addressed problems in educational settings.

Ensured compliance with school policies and procedures.

Engaged in reflective teaching for continuous professional growth.

Instrumental Music Educator

Boston Public Schools
Boston
06.2013 - 07.2018

Summer Arts Intensive Instructor
Designed and delivered intensive arts instruction for students, focusing on skill development, ensemble collaboration, and performance preparation within a fast-paced summer program.

Led daily arts-based instruction for a diverse group of students in a structured summer intensive, integrating technique, creativity, and performance readiness

Assisted with curriculum implementation, student supervision, and event coordination for a multi-week summer arts program

Music Educator

Dekalb County Schools
Decatur
08.2010 - 06.2012

Directed middle school choirs, teaching proper vocal technique, sight-singing, and healthy vocal development for adolescent voices

Planned and rehearsed age-appropriate choral repertoire representing diverse musical styles and cultures

Developed students’ music literacy skills, including rhythm reading, and part singing

Prepared ensembles for concerts, school performances, and community events

Created a positive, inclusive rehearsal environment that fostered student confidence and collaboration

Assessed student progress through performances, and assessments

Collaborated with music and arts faculty to support school-wide arts initiatives

Managed classroom behavior and rehearsal routines aligned with school goals

Instrumental Music Educator

Atlanta Public Schools
Atlanta
08.2004 - 08.2006

Instrumental pedagogy (woodwinds/brass/percussion)

Ensemble conducting and rehearsal techniques

Curriculum development and assessment

Utilize effective classroom management techniques.

Performance coordination and event planning

Instrumental Music Educator

Dekalb County Schools
Decatur
08.2001 - 08.2003

Instrumental pedagogy (woodwinds/brass/percussion)

Ensemble conducting and rehearsal techniques

Curriculum development and assessment

Facilitated student mentorship programs to enhance academic achievement and personal growth.

Coordinated performances and events to foster community engagement and collaboration.

Managed classroom environments to promote effective learning and student participation.

Instrumental Music Educator

Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools
Nashville
08.2000 - 05.2001

Introduced beginner students to instrumental fundamentals, including posture, embouchure, and rhythmic accuracy

Supported student growth from introductory skills through advanced ensemble participation

Integrated music theory, history, and listening activities into performance-based instruction

Communicated regularly with families regarding student progress, practice expectations, and performances

Education

M.A. - Higher Education Administration

Southern New Hampshire University
Hooksett, NH
09-2018

Bachelor of Arts - Instrumental Music Education

Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, TN
12-1999

Skills

Learning outcomes assessment

Data-informed instructional improvement

Program evaluation and reporting

Familiarity with accreditation standards

Rubric development and grading alignment

First-year student transition support

Academic progress monitoring

Student success coaching

Advising students on degree pathways and careers

Collaboration with student support services

Trauma-informed and student-centered approaches

Music theory and musicianship instruction

Ensemble leadership

Applied instruction

Repertoire selection and program planning

Score study and rehearsal pedagogy

Music history and literature integration

Performance assessment and jury preparation

Timeline

Instrumental Music Educator

Boston Symphony Orchestra
06.2023 - Current

Lead Teacher

Boston Public Schools
08.2020 - 08.2025

Instrumental Music Educator

Boston Public Schools
06.2013 - 07.2018

Instrumental Music Educator

Boston Public Schools
08.2012 - Current

Music Educator

Dekalb County Schools
08.2010 - 06.2012

Instrumental Music Educator

Atlanta Public Schools
08.2004 - 08.2006

Instrumental Music Educator

Dekalb County Schools
08.2001 - 08.2003

Instrumental Music Educator

Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools
08.2000 - 05.2001

M.A. - Higher Education Administration

Southern New Hampshire University

Bachelor of Arts - Instrumental Music Education

Middle Tennessee State University
Yolanda Knight