Sheryl Goodnight, a native of Bell County, began her flute studies at age 11 with the late Don Von of Temple, Texas. After graduating from Temple High School, she attended Temple College, Baylor University, and received a Bachelor of Music Degree from the University of Texas with the highest honors.  She has a major in Piano Performance, and holds a Certificate of Flute Performance above and beyond the requirements for a degree.

At the age of six, Sheryl was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, a hereditary eye condition.  As the disease progressed, Sheryl remained focused on her love of piano and flute and although being legally blind, has not let the challenges prevent her from a fulfilling career in music.  Music Theory and analysis is an integral tool for aiding in memorization, which is a specialty of Ms. Goodnight. She memorizes all parts whether it is solo, orchestral, or any genre.

After winning First Place in the Tuesday Music Club of San Antonio Wind Competition, she did an intensive study of the flute with John Hicks and Karl Kraber of the UT Faculty; participating in several summers of master classes with Julius Baker of New York.  Other teachers have included Torkil Bye, Helen Shanley, Megan Meisenbach, and Carol Penoli.

Sheryl has performed throughout the State in recitals and programs and is a freelance musician in the central Texas area.

At the present time she is a part time instructor of flute at Temple College in Temple, Texas and at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, Texas.  She also maintains a private studio in her home in Temple, and teaches privately in Belton High School and Lake Belton Middle School.  She is the Principal Flute of the Temple Symphony Orchestra, in which she is in her 27th Season.  She is also a member of the Wednesday Morning Music Club of Austin, The Texas Flute Society, the National Flute Association, Texas Music Educator’s Association, Austin Alumni Chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota, and the Temple Music Club.

Ms. Goodnight was inducted into the Walter Galawitz Hall of Fame at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in 1998.  In 2001, she released her first CD, Sheryl Goodnight “Debut” and later that same year, performed at the National Flute Association Convention in Dallas, Texas.

Being that Ms. Goodnight received her degree in piano, she accompanies her flute students on student recitals and competitions.  This allows her to maintain her pianistic skills.  She also finds reward staying in touch with solo piano repertoire.

Sheryl enjoys spending time with family and friends, taking time to love and pet her black-short haired dachshund, Sassi, and keeping current with technology.