Laura Reed

Laura Reed has extensive experience in the field of music education and administration. Laura is currently working as the Professional Learning/Publications Manager at the National Association for Music Education (NAfME). Prior to this, they served as a Teacher at the Queen Creek Unified School District.

Laura's longest tenure was at the Gilbert Unified School District, where they worked as a Teacher and Orchestra Director from 2007 to the present. Laura achieved remarkable success in this role, including doubling the enrollment in orchestra programs at two high schools within five years. Laura also established a parent booster organization and created the Mesquite Orchestra Student Mentoring Program.

Before joining the Gilbert Unified School District, Laura worked at the Franklin Special School District as a Teacher and Orchestra Director from 2002 to 2007. During their time there, they developed the orchestra curriculum for the district and organized the first All-County Orchestra Festival in Williamson County, TN.

Laura's career also includes roles at the American String Teachers Association, where they worked as an Editor from 1994 to 2005. Additionally, they founded and served as the Executive Director of the North Central West Virginia Community Orchestra from 1997 to 2001, growing the program from 6 to 110 members.

Lastly, Laura began their career at the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, where they worked as a Communications Manager from 1989 to 1996.

Laura Reed completed their Bachelor of Arts degree in Music/Journalism from the University of Cincinnati, where they studied from 1982 to 1987. Later, they pursued a Master of Music degree in music education at West Virginia University, attending from 1998 to 2003. Additionally, they obtained a certification as a Google Certified Educator Level 1 from Google for Education in February 2021.