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Learn, Create, Vibe, Inspire

It's all about learning and 'leaning in'

As a lifelong learner and super nerd across many domains, I've come to deeply cherish the power of mentorship and personalized resources. Now, it's my turn to pay it forward with Noteworthy Ed—a spot where you can dive in and learn with genuine, judgment-free support that keeps it real.

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About Me.

I’m a multi-passionate educator who loves creating resources, leading workshops, and coaching teachers and students to unlock their creativity and confidence. At home, I’m a proud mom of two energetic boys and wife to a wonderfully supportive husband who embraces my neurodiverse brain with patience and love.

 

I thrive on making music with students and communities, but I’m equally inspired by mentoring educators and exploring what’s possible when we move beyond “we’ve always done it this way.” My teaching transformed when I learned to step back and give students space to create, explore, and take ownership—while guiding just enough to help the magic happen.

 

In my classroom, we call it #protectthevibe—a culture of trust, creativity, and support. That same spirit guides my workshops and coaching, helping others find their own rhythm and ideal classroom vibe. I believe in celebrating others’ successes, embracing experimentation, and daring to be caught trying as we grow and learn together.

Education

2024 - 

PhD in Educational Studies
University of Prince Edward Islane

Second year PhD student under the supervision of Dr. Sean Weibe. Researching the impact of expanding and diversifying music programming at the secondary and post-secondary level. 

2006-2008

Master of Music in Percussion Performance
University of Minnesota

Major: Percussion - studying with Fernando Meza, Peter Kogan
Secondary Interest: Conducting - MUS4950 Advanced Conducting (Instrumental, Chamber, Orchestral). Graduate Teaching Assistant and
member of Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Steel Pan Ensemble

2001-2006

Bachelor of Music Education
University of Prince Edward Island

Major: Percussion, Minor: History

Secondary Interest: Instrumental Conducting - MUS493 Directed Studies in Wind Band Conducting

Member of UPEI Wind Symphony, Percussion Ensemble, Concert Choir

Bio

Krista Bryson holds a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Prince Edward Island and a Master of Music in Percussion Performance from the University of Minnesota. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Educational Studies at UPEI, returning to her roots to explore how creativity, agency, and equity can transform secondary music education.

 

After 15 years leading the Three Oaks Senior High School music program, Krista now directs the school’s R&B Band and co-developed the innovative Popular Music Performance curriculum—an initiative reshaping music education across Prince Edward Island. Her research and teaching are guided by a commitment to inclusive, student-centered learning and the belief that music education should reflect the diverse lives of today’s learners.

 

Krista has taught at the university level as a sessional instructor in percussion, conducting, and jazz techniques, and continues to share her expertise through workshops, conference presentations, and adjudication. She presented on the transformation of the Three Oaks program at the Ontario Music Educators’ Association ROOTS Conference in London, Ontario (November 2025) and serves as President of the Prince Edward Island Music Educators’ Association. Upcoming adjudication engagements include the Truro Music Festival (2025) and the Atlantic Festival of Music in Halifax (2026).

 

Recognized for her contributions to music education, Krista is the recipient of the inaugural 2024 Kerri Wynn MacLeod Woman of Impact in Music Award, the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal (2023), and the PEI Home and School Extra Mile Award (2022).

 

While her roots are in classical percussion and conducting, Krista’s creative focus continues to expand through contemporary performance, songwriting, and educational innovation. She remains active as a performer with the PEI Symphony Orchestra and is passionate about helping others—students, teachers, and communities—discover their own musical voices.

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