Diane W. Higgins, Piano and Composition Instructor, has maintained a music studio in the Charlotte area for over 30 years.  She earned her Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance at Salem College, where she studied with Clemmons Sandresky.  During her Salem College study, she was the recipient of a scholarship to play violin in the Winston-Salem Symphony.  Diane has been violinist member with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, the Winston-Salem Symphony, and she is currently a member of the Charlotte Civic Orchestra.  She is also active as a pianist, and teaches piano and composition to a studio of fifty students in the Charlotte area.  Her composition students have won first place prizes in state, national and international competitions.

Listed with Who's Who in American Women, Who's Who in America and Outstanding Musicians of the 20^th Century, Diane is President of Music Teachers National Association's Southern Division.  She is immediate past President of the N C Music Teachers Association, where she has served as President-Elect and Vice-President for the state conventions, Vice President for Publicity and MTNA Scholarship Foundation, Treasurer (two terms), Director of the State Piano Contest, Chairman of the State Piano Section, Chairman of the Junior High State Auditions, and Chairman of the fall Piano Workshops. 

Diane is also past President of the Charlotte Piano Teachers Forum, the Friends of Music at Queens University of Charlotte, boardmenber of the Friends of Music at Salem College.  She has also held offices with the Charlotte Music Club, served as district chairman of the North Carolina Federation of Music Clubs Festival, founder/director of the Charlotte Music Career Fair, is a charter member of the Charlotte Music Teachers Association, and is a member of the National Guild of Pianists.  Diane holds national and state permanent certification from MTNA, and she has served as an adjudicator for piano and violin competitions in both North and South Carolina.