Dr. Michele Wright Named Senior Director of Education

Dr. Michele Wright Joins RI Philharmonic Music School As Senior Director of Education

The Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School announces today that Michele Wright Ed.D. will join its leadership team as Senior Director of Education in September 2022. Dr. Wright is a committed arts leader and educator passionate about making high-quality music education equitable and available for everyone. Her work has also centered on equitable opportunities and access for those from underserved and minoritized communities. Her commitment to community building through partnerships and program development has contributed to long-standing successful programs and outcomes. A Juilliard trained clarinetist, certified public school educator, and longtime leader in non-profit and collegiate level music education, Dr. Wright will succeed Annette Mozzoni who served at the RI Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School in this role for 17 years.

“We are thrilled that Dr. Wright has agreed to become Senior Director of Education at the RI Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School,” states Executive Director David Beauchesne. “She brings with her a depth of knowledge and experience, and a set of core values, that made her the unanimous choice of all involved in our search. We look forward to all that we will achieve together on behalf of the communities we serve, the organization and its mission.”

Prior to joining the RI Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School, Dr. Wright worked at many prestigious music education institutions in New York City and New Jersey, including The New School - Mannes School of Music Prep, where she served as assistant dean, the Manhattan School of Music, and New Jersey Performing Arts Center. Earlier in her career, Dr. Wright worked in the community music school field, developing programs and curricula, and building community partnerships bringing music and music education to public schools and audiences in NJ. 

“I am exhilarated to join the Rhode Island Philharmonic & Music School team,” says Wright. “This organization’s vital mission aligns with my life’s work and passion which is to be in service of and for music education access for everyone. I am joining the team at an important inflection point, one that continues the wonderful work of my predecessor while co-creating new engaging and expanded opportunities with the communities that we serve.”



At her core, like many senior leaders in music education, Dr. Wright is a musician and educator. She received a Bachelor of Music from The Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College, and a Master of Music degree in Clarinet Performance from The Juilliard School. She spent many years performing as a freelancer throughout the Tri-state area while discovering her deep passion for music education and administration. Her New York State teaching certification led her to teach general music and band in schools in East Harlem and the Bronx. This foundational experience was undoubtedly a catalyst for moving into roles and organizations where she can make a difference in underserved and minoritized communities through access to music education.

Dr. Wright completed her Ed.D in Higher Education Management from the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education. Her dissertation, centering on institutional cultural change in higher education through enacted diversity initiatives, was published in late August. Her passion and expertise will be invaluable to the RI Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School as the organization moves deeper into its partnership with the Papitto Opportunity Connection (POC). The four-year grant from POC, along with continued support from existing funders, has significantly increased the organization’s capacity to prioritize diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Funds will be deployed over the coming years in an organizational commitment to breaking down the systemic and historic racism in our society and within classical music. 

Dr. Wright will assume the role of Senior Director of Education on September 19th.