RALEIGH, N.C. — Carolyn Colquitt has always had a love for music. 

“I got my first piano when I was 2 or 3, I started lessons when I was 4, and have been in love with it ever since,” said Colquitt. 

Colquitt shared her love for music through teaching. She has spent the last 42 years as a school music teacher in Raleigh, N.C. She has taught orchestra, choir, band, recording engineering, and most recently, piano at Carnage Magnet Middle School. 

“I like to see the light come on in the student’s face. Often in class we play together in ensembles and duets, and I just dance around the classroom and we just have fun making music. I love the way music teaches so many facets of learning, I just think it’s magic,” said Colquitt.

In January 2021, the North Carolina Museum of Art recognized Colquitt’s talent, designating her as their very first artist-in-residence. Last spring, she composed an original piece of classical music to accompany an exhibit, “The Shonibare.” 

“The value of a Carolyn Colquitt is that she brings to life aspects of the collection. Museums are known as society's taste makers. You get a chance to demonstrate what good taste is, and I don’t know better taste in terms of music and music excellence than Carolyn Colquitt,” said Moses T. Alexander Greene, director of performing arts and film at the North Carolina Museum of Art. 

In July, Colquitt retired from teaching and she is now focusing on honing her craft. Over the summer, she put on a bi-weekly concert series entitled, “Uniquely Carolyn.” 

“It feels unreal and so rewarding. I’m so honored, I think it's made me a better person and a better musician,” said Colquitt. 

Colquitt’s next show, “Uniquely Carolyn: Carolyn The Educator” showcases several of her former students as they perform solos and even some duets with Colquitt. For tickets and more information on the series, visit the North Carolina Museum of Art website.