D.M.A., University of South Carolina, 2023
M.M, Northern Illinois University, 2016
B.M.E., Armstrong Atlantic State University, 2011
A native of Queens, New York, Dr. Lia Snead has a Bachelor of Music in Music Education
from Georgia Southern University (formally Armstrong Atlantic State University) in
Savannah, GA. While pursuing her undergraduate degree, Dr. Snead was active within the
community as a private trumpet instructor and as a brass instructor at Savannah State
University. After graduation, she became the Director of Bands at Robert W. Groves High
School, in Chatham County, GA where she revived the band program and led them to earn
their first superior ratings at concert festival in over a decade. In 2014, Dr. Snead
temporarily left the classroom to study conducting at Northern Illinois University with Dr.
Ronnie Wooten, where she was both the music education and conducting graduate
assistant. After graduation, she briefly returned to teaching in Chatham County before
accepting a position as the Associate Director of Bands at Richmond Hill High School in
Richmond Hill, GA. While there, the program consistently received straight superior ratings
and won numerous awards at both concert and marching festivals. In 2023, Lia received a
DMA from the University of South Carolina, where she studied with Dr. Cormac Cannon.
Dr. Lia Snead is active as a clinician, adjudicator, guest conductor, and performer. She
also performed with the Savannah Wind Symphony where she served on the board of
directors and frequently guest conducted. Dr. Snead is a member of the Iowa Music
Educators Association (IMEA), the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), the
Minority Band Directors National Association (MBDNA), and Tau Beta Sigma, National
Honorary Band Sorority.
Lia is married to her college sweetheart, fellow musician, and PhD candidate at the
University of South Carolina, Mr. Derrick Snead. Together, they have adopted an Old
English Bulldog named Bruno.
