Music education plays a vital role in shaping students’ lives, teaching them discipline, collaboration, and perseverance. Linda E. Ethier, strings teacher and orchestra director at Sharon Public Schools, has spent more than 30 years inspiring her students to love music. Her career is defined by her passion for music and her commitment to providing students with the tools to succeed in music and in life.
A Career Fueled by Passion and Perseverance
Named one of 50 Teachers Who Make a Difference, Ethier’s journey in music education began with a love for the violin and a desire to share that passion with others. “I was drawn to music at a young age, and I knew it was something I wanted to pursue,” she recalls. “Music has always been a part of my life.”
Ethier’s path to becoming an educator wasn’t straightforward. While she initially resisted the idea of teaching, her professors encouraged her to change her major to music education, recognizing her natural teaching ability. “Everyone saw my ability to teach before I could recognize it myself,” she reflects.
After earning a bachelor’s degree in music education from Rhode Island College, Ethier began her career as a music instructor. She worked in various roles before becoming the orchestra director at Sharon Public Schools in Sharon, Massachusetts, in 2012. She has since grown the orchestra program to include multiple ensembles while earning a master’s degree in music education from Kent State University.
Building a Strong Music Program
When Ethier started at Sharon Public Schools, the orchestra program was small, with about 30 students. “The growth of the program has been one of my proudest achievements,” she says. Under her leadership, the program expanded to over 80 students. “We now have an honors orchestra and a repertory orchestra,” she adds. She credits her success in growing the program to her ability to build strong relationships with her students and their families.
Ethier’s dedication to her students extends beyond teaching them music. “Music teaches more than just how to play an instrument. It teaches discipline, collaboration and perseverance,” she explains. Her students often return to thank her for instilling these values, which help them in both music and life.
“It’s rewarding when former students tell me how they’ve applied what they learned in my class to other areas of their lives,” Ethier says.
Challenges and Growth in the Field of Education
The teaching profession has changed over the years, with increasing demands on teachers and greater scrutiny from the public. “I’ve been fortunate to work in a place with supportive colleagues and administrators, but I understand why many teachers have left the field,” Ethier says.
Technology has also changed the way teaching happens. “Teaching with technology has its benefits, but it also has its challenges. Students can become overwhelmed and distracted with too many options,” Ethier reflects.
Despite these challenges, Ethier remains dedicated to her students and continues to find ways to make her music program thrive.
Looking Forward: Continuing to Inspire Through Music
Ethier plans to continue teaching and growing in her current position: “I truly enjoy my work and my students.” In the future, she hopes to take a more active role in leadership by joining the executive board of SEMSBA and conducting an SEMSBA orchestra. “Conducting brings me so much joy,” she adds.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Ethier cherishes time spent with her family and enjoys knitting, dancing, and camping. With a strong belief in the power of music to enrich lives, Ethier remains committed to inspiring students to embrace music as a lifelong passion.
