Cultural/Performing Arts
Dr. Linda Hartley is a 1975 graduate of Ravenna High School. Her school activities included band (saxophone), choir (accompanist), National Honor Society, yearbook and girl’s basketball. She received the John Phillip Sousa award for her outstanding musicianship and contributions to the high school band program. She began taking piano lessons in kindergarten and playing the saxophone in the fifth grade. After graduation, Linda attended Bowling Green State University and graduated in 1979 with a Bachelor of Music Education degree. She then began teaching in the Tallmadge City School System where she directed bands in grades five through twelve. During her eight years in Tallmadge, her bands consistently received superior and excellent ratings. She maintained her saxophone performance through playing in a local dance band, Tuxedo Junction. Linda received her Master of Music degree from Kent State University in 1987 and then pursued doctoral studies, also at Kent State University. While completing her doctorate in music education, she taught instrumental music and music education at St. Patrick’s Elementary School in Kent, Mount Union College, and Virginia Tech. In 1991, Linda began teaching band and music education at the University of Dayton. Under her direction, the Music Education Department tripled in size, and the university marching band grew by 150%. Dr. Hartley initiated a masters degree program in Music Education at the University of Dayton, and also created a Senior Adult Beginning Band. In 2000, Linda received the University of Dayton College of Arts and Sciences Outstanding Teacher Award, and in 2003, was awarded the University of Dayton Award in teaching. Linda is the proud parent of daughter, Johanna, who is nine years old.