Her Story
About Elizabeth
Elizabeth Lockhart is an accomplished music educator with nearly three decades of experience teaching instrumental and vocal music in public school settings. Since beginning her teaching career in 1998, she has dedicated herself to helping students discover the power of music through hands-on instruction, currently serving as an Elementary Band Director with Norwalk Public Schools in Connecticut. In 2018, Elizabeth was recruited to help establish an elementary band program in Newark Public Schools, drawing on her extensive experience to develop curriculum, build student musicianship, and create meaningful opportunities for young learners. Her teaching philosophy centers on leading by example, believing that educators should be able to play alongside their students and demonstrate strong musical technique.
Elizabeth earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Delaware in 1995 and later pursued graduate study at Temple University. She is currently continuing her professional growth through the Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction program at Grand Canyon University. Throughout her career, Elizabeth has taught across multiple areas of music education, including band, chorus, steel drums, and private instruction, while also contributing to marching band and performance programs. She is an active member of Sigma Alpha Iota and Kappa Psi, organizations that reflect her ongoing commitment to the music community and professional collaboration.
Elizabeth credits much of her success to the influential instructors who supported her early in her career, particularly her high school band director, who helped inspire her path as an educator and opened doors to future opportunities. She encourages emerging educators to maintain a broad perspective, continue developing their skills, and avoid limiting themselves to one area of expertise. Passionate about preserving strong arts education programs, Elizabeth believes that students thrive when schools value music and provide opportunities for creative growth. Outside the classroom, she emphasizes the importance of organization, balance, and maintaining time for personal fulfillment alongside a rewarding career in education.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Elizabeth
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to good instructors when I was young, especially my high school band director. He did so much for me and helped me get the job where I got to write the curriculum and design the program in Norwalk. I was an educator in Delaware for 20 years and found my family needed me to be in Connecticut, so there was a job available and he helped me get my foot in the door.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Never over-focus yourself. It's important to look at the big picture of education and not pigeonhole yourself into one position only. Make yourself attractive to many different school districts and job positions so you find yourself employed.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Know your musical instruments. Be able to play with your students, play instruments with your students. Know what you're doing so you're able to teach the students proper fingerings, proper techniques. Teach by doing, not by like, oh, look at the book.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
It's important to find a district that believes in the arts and the forwarding of music education, especially on the elementary level. If you're in a district that doesn't support that, you don't want to be there. I'm very lucky to be in a district that puts music education at the top.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Organization, separation of school versus personal life, and leave time to have fun and enjoy. Not just work your career only. More than just your career.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.