Changemakers: Professional Development for Music Educators • Expanding Our Repertoire Ensuring Diversity and Equity in Band Programming

Dr. Heather Cote serves as the K-12 Director of Performing Arts for the Westwood Public Schools in Westwood, MA, and conducts the WHS concert band and wind ensemble. She is adjunct faculty at Longy School of Music in Cambridge, MA teaching in both the on-campus and online MM/ME programs. In addition, she also teaches at Kent State University in the online Masters of Music Education program. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the Hartt School, a Master’s degree in Theater Education from Emerson College, and a D.M.A in Music Education from Boston University, where her dissertation research focused on music teacher evaluation.

Dr. Cote has taught vocal, general, and instrumental music at all levels K-12. She has presented nationally and internationally at state conferences and workshops on a variety of topics including assessment, teacher evaluation, curriculum, and student growth in the arts. She has worked with the Boston University Music Education Program, serving as a pre-practicum and practicum mentor for undergraduate music education students. She has also served as a guest lecturer for music education programs at various other universities.

As a woodwind specialist, she performs regularly in the Theater scene in both the Boston and Providence areas. She is active in the Massachusetts Music Educators Association, having served as Chairperson for the Eastern District and MMEA State President. She is also Past-Chair for NAfME’s Council for Music Program Leaders and currently sits on the Council as a Member-at-Large.