Lydia Courtney is an educator and a researcher of creative and effective American arts education. Her 16 years teaching Choral Music, Theatre, Voice and Dance are preceded by seven years as a singer, dancer and actress. She is both an arts and public school advocate and has most recently spoken on the topics of the benefits of Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) and Arts integration as well as the emotional component of effective education. Ms. Courtney holds a B.A. in both Vocal and Instrumental Music Education from Bowling Green State University and an M.A. in Music Education from Five Towns College in New York.