06/12/2026
UVA Wise Music is extraordinarily pleased to welcome Dr. Keith Cottrill as our new Director of Bands and Instructor of Music Education! Dr. Cottrill comes to us with a wealth of experience, and we know that he is going to take our students, ensembles, and programs to new levels of achievement. Welcome, Dr. Cottrill!
Dr. Keith Cottrill brings nearly three decades of teaching experience across public school and collegiate settings, with a strong record of program growth, student achievement, and community engagement.
Most recently, Dr. Cottrill served as Assistant Director of Bands and Assistant Professor of Music at Emory & Henry University, where he contributed to the university’s band program through his work with the marching band, wind ensemble, pep band, and chamber ensembles, while teaching courses in conducting, instrumental methods, music theory, music education, and applied low brass. He previously served as Director of Bands at Bethel University in Tennessee, where he provided leadership for a comprehensive band program and advanced its growth through focused recruitment, ensemble development, and community engagement.
Dr. Cottrill’s earlier career includes distinguished service as a high school band director in Virginia, where his programs consistently earned superior ratings and multiple Virginia Honor Band recognitions. His leadership has been marked by a commitment to excellence in performance, student mentorship, and building strong relationships with school and community partners.
He holds a Doctorate in Music Education from Liberty University, a Master of Music Education and Bachelor of Music Education from Shenandoah University. Dr. Cottrill is an active adjudicator, guest conductor, and performer, and maintains professional affiliations with national and state music education organizations.
He resides in Southwest Virginia with his wife, Andrea, and their two daughters Claire and Grace.
