John J. Gallagher, Ed.D. is a thought leader, a dedicated advocate for arts education, and an accomplished school district administrator.
As the Director of Music & Fine Arts for Long Island's Longwood Central School District, he oversees a team of 41 educators of music, visual arts, and theater, whose work impacts nearly 9,000 students. Under his leadership, Longwood’s program has received numerous accolades, including the Award of Excellence from the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) and recognition from organizations such as the United States Congress, the Long Island Arts Alliance, Music for All, Give a Note Foundation, and the NAMM Foundation’s Best Communities for Music Education program.
Dr. Gallagher has expanded educational opportunities by connecting students with renowned artists, composers, and professional ensembles, including The Long Island Philharmonic, trombonist Joseph Alessi (NY Philharmonic), Carl Strommen, Emmy-winning violinist Mark Wood, and the U.S. Military Bands. His collaborative approach extends to theater and visual arts, fostering student showcases in local galleries, libraries, and national exhibits. His initiatives have garnered recognition from the Long Island Arts Alliance, The East End Arts Council, Heckscher Museum, and the U.S. Congressional Art Program.
Dr. Gallagher is a nationally recognized clinician, speaker, and advocate for arts education. Building on a previous career in public relations and marketing communications, he brings a unique approach to arts advocacy. He is a frequent presenter at state and national conferences on topics including the marketing and promotion of school arts education programs, student leadership, and school district administration. His expertise has been published in The Instrumentalist, Teaching Music, and NYSSMA’s School Music News.
He has served in many leadership positions for professional organizations including as president of the New York State Council of Administrators of Music Education (NYSCAME); director of professional development, and president of the Suffolk County chapter of NYSCAME, public relations chairperson for the Suffolk County Art Leaders Association (SCALA); and as chairperson of various committees including commercial membership, public relations, and advocacy for the Suffolk County Music Educators Association (SCMEA).
In 2002, he was appointed NYSSMA's chairperson for public and media relations to coordinate placements in print and broadcast media outlets across New York State on issues related to music education. In 2006, he founded and currently chairs the Long Island Scholar Artist Program which features academically and artistically talented students in Newsday, and continues to support arts education through key roles with Music for All and The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation.
A skilled trombonist, Dr. Gallagher performs with the Northport Community Band and the Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra, for which he coordinates media relations. The orchestra has shared the stage with Broadway and television personalities. School ensembles under his direction have performed in prestigious venues such as Walt Disney World, Madison Square Garden, and the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade, earning high honors and a state marching championship title.
He holds a Doctorate in Educational Administration from Dowling College, an Advanced Graduate Certificate in School District Administration from Stony Brook University, a Master’s Degree in Music Education from LIU-Post, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Arts from St. John’s University.
He and his wife reside on Long Island, where his passion for music education continues through his children, each pursuing or enjoying careers in the arts.