Diane Bonnell, M.A. holds degrees from the University of New Mexico and Arkansas State University in the areas of educational administration and music education. Prior to her appointment at the University of New Mexico, she was the District Coordinator of Community Sponsored Instructional Programs, Instructional Services and Support, Curriculum Support Unit for Albuquerque Public Schools; was the Albuquerque Public Schools District Music Coordinator; held positions as the New Mexico State Department of Education and Albuquerque Public Schools Music Specialist, and for 12 years has taught general music and choral classes in elementary and secondary education schools in Artesia, Albuquerque, and Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Ms. Bonnell is a major contributor to Albuquerque’s youth music programs and music education in the Albuquerque Public Schools. To name a few of her contributions, she has been a developer of the APS Elementary Music Curriculum Guide and Abstract, a yearly developer of the APS Curriculum Cycle Planning Process, has developed educational materials for the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival youth tour and school programs, and serves as a consultant to New Mexico Symphony and help to develop educational materials for youth concert tour program.

She has been recognized with the Bravo Award by the Albuquerque Arts Alliance. She also received the UNM/New Mexico Music Educators, Dr. John M. Batcheller Recognition Award for Excellence in Teaching Elementary School Music. Ms. Bonnell is a honoree of the New Mexico Music Educators Hall of Fame.