Lisa Benton
Nashville,TN
Summary
Innovative Music Educator recognized for ability to deliver lessons that are both engaging and effective, ensuring high productivity in task completion. Specialize in curriculum development, student performance assessment, and integration of technology in music education. Excel in communication, creativity, and leadership, fostering an environment where students can thrive and discover their musical talents.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Music Educator
Grace Christian Academy
Leipers Fork, TN
08.2025 - Current
- Developed music curriculum for grades 5-8 to enhance educational offerings.
- Coordinated school musicals, including Aladdin Jr for grades 7-8 and Finding Nemo for grades 5-6.
- Integrated ukulele curriculum into music courses and student performances at Grandparents Day and Chapel services.
Music Educator
Ensworth School
Nashville, TN
08.2022 - 05.2025
- Directed choral programs for sixth, seventh, and eighth grades, achieving superior sightreading scores.
- Led sixth grade choir to excellence in choral performance.
- Produced successful Fall Musicals: Singin' in the Rain Jr. and Beauty and the Beast Jr.
- Implemented interdisciplinary performance project for fourth grade students.
Choral Director/Guitar Teacher
Heritage Middle School
Spring Hill, TN
09.2010 - 05.2022
- Established choral program, growing from 75 to 200 singers in three years.
- Directed choirs for grades six, seven, and eight, enhancing musical education.
- Coordinated community performances and music festival participations for Vox ensemble.
- Organized biannual fundraising trips to Disney World for Disney Sings workshops.
- Planned and executed Madrigal Renaissance Dinner and sold-out themed shows.
- Led Live Band during performances, ensuring high-quality musical accompaniment.
- Implemented quarterly Guitar Class Recitals to showcase student progress.
- Co-directed annual spring musicals, including Annie Jr and Aladdin Jr.
Choral Director
CreekWood High School
Charlotte, TN
08.2007 - 08.2010
- Directed Concert Choir, Women's Ensemble, and Chamber Choir, enhancing vocal performance quality.
- Planned and executed fundraising efforts for Carnegie Hall trip with parent booster organization.
- Administered choral booster program, supporting student engagement and community involvement.
- Developed curriculum for piano/keyboard lab to facilitate Group Piano classes.
- Co-directed spring musicals, including Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin, showcasing student talent.
- Organized Fall and Spring concerts, Solo and Ensemble Contests, and Choral Adjudicated Festivals.
- Instructed General Music and Theory and Harmony courses to broaden students' musical knowledge.
Music Teacher
Cheatham Middle School
Ashland City, TN
08.2006 - 05.2007
- Provided music instruction to 6th-8th grade students, fostering musical skills and appreciation.
- Reinstated volunteer choral program, enhancing student engagement in the arts.
- Implemented SRA (Corrective Reading program) for 7th and 8th grade students to improve literacy.
- Participated in America Sings Festival, showcasing talent and promoting community involvement.
- Coordinated performances for Christmas program, Veterans Day, Spring Concert, and nursing homes.
- Performed for Cheatham County Board of Education to demonstrate student progress and achievements.
Office Manager
Benton Chiropractic Clinic
Dickson, TN
06.2005 - 07.2006
- Managed office personnel, streamlined patient intake, and processed insurance claims.
- Contributed to business marketing efforts to enhance visibility and reach.
- Engaged with Chamber of Commerce to foster local business relationships.
- Assisted in husband’s career transition by dedicating one year away from teaching.
Music Teacher
Thomas Edison Elementary School
Antioch, TN
08.2004 - 05.2005
- Delivered music instruction for vocal and instrumental performance to kindergarten through fifth grade students.
- Implemented Suzuki keyboard lab to enhance students' musical skills.
- Directed diverse grade-level music programs to foster creativity and engagement.
Music Teacher
Briar Crest Elementary School
St. Ann, MO
08.2000 - 05.2004
- Provided music instruction to kindergarten through fifth grade, enhancing musical foundations.
- Directed after-school choir groups, fostering teamwork and performance skills.
- Advised Student Council, promoting leadership and engagement in school activities.
- Integrated technology into music lessons, improving student interaction and learning outcomes.
- Developed a keyboard lab within the curriculum to enrich musical education.
- Contributed to writing Essential Music Curriculum for Pattonville School District, ensuring educational alignment.
- Utilized Orff instruments as a teaching method, engaging students through creative expression.
- Participated in community service projects with choirs and Student Council, strengthening community ties.
Choral Director/Music Teacher
Davidson Academy
Goodlettsville, TN
08.1998 - 05.2000
- Directed Choir for grades six through eight, high school choir, and show choir.
- Co-directed musicals, including Annie and Into the Woods.
- Developed and led musical programs for show choirs and choral groups in Broadway styles.
- Prepared students for Solo/Ensemble contests to enhance performance skills.
- Taught Study Skills courses to support student academic development.
- Established a choral booster program to increase parent engagement and funding.
- Served as Chairperson of Music Department during 2000-2001 academic year before transitioning from position.
Education
Doctor of Arts - Music Education
William Carey University
Hattiesburg, MS08.2026
Master - Music Education
Belmont University
Nashville, TN05-1998
BME - Orff Certification
Belmont University
Nashville, TN05-1998
Bachelor of Science - Vocal Performance
Welch College
Nashville, TN05-1996
Skills
- Music curriculum development
- Choral conducting
- Performance coordination
- Interdisciplinary projects
- Student engagement strategies
- Program organization
Accomplishments
Invited to be guest choral clinician for Dickson Honor Choir, Pennsylvania Honor Choir
Private Piano/Voice Instructor
- Joanie Clark Music Studios Mt Juliet TN prepared students for Piano Guild and recitals
Accompanist
- Accompanist for major collegiate level courses: Belmont University (Nashville, TN), Welch College (Nashville, TN)
Awards
CMA Music Teachers of Excellence Award, 2018
Professional Memberships
- Served on board MTVA (Middle TN Vocal Association)
- NAfME, ACDA
Timeline
Music Educator
Grace Christian Academy
08.2025 - Current
Music Educator
Ensworth School
08.2022 - 05.2025
Choral Director/Guitar Teacher
Heritage Middle School
09.2010 - 05.2022
Choral Director
CreekWood High School
08.2007 - 08.2010
Music Teacher
Cheatham Middle School
08.2006 - 05.2007
Office Manager
Benton Chiropractic Clinic
06.2005 - 07.2006
Music Teacher
Thomas Edison Elementary School
08.2004 - 05.2005
Music Teacher
Briar Crest Elementary School
08.2000 - 05.2004
Choral Director/Music Teacher
Davidson Academy
08.1998 - 05.2000
Doctor of Arts - Music Education
William Carey University
Master - Music Education
Belmont University
BME - Orff Certification
Belmont University
Bachelor of Science - Vocal Performance
Welch College