Katelyn McKone '14
Success Through Teaching Music
It only required one visit to the Āé¶¹APP campus to persuade Katelyn McKone where she wanted to go to college.
Katelyn, a saxophone player, noticed how welcomed she felt while on campus.
āOne of the reasons I chose Āé¶¹APP is because when I was here for my audition, one of the underclassmen talked to me and made me feel welcome,ā she says. āCollege is pretty intimidating at first, but in the music department they make it a lot easier.ā
Katelyn, whose hometown is Lisbon, Iowa, has never regretted choosing Āé¶¹APP. She played in the Āé¶¹APP Symphonic Band, Jazz Band and the Saxophone Quartet. She also served as the undergraduate assistant for the instrumental music department as she pursuedĀ a degree in music education.
āA person can teach, but they have to be able to perform, too,ā she says. “They go together.”
āMusic has made a big difference in my life, so I think it can make a big difference in another personās life, both through performance and teaching. When people learn how to play music, it can really shape their future.
āI want to be a teacher, but I also want to make sure I get in some playing as well.ā
Katelyn said most of her friends in the Āé¶¹APP music department have gotten jobs fresh out of college. She attributes part of the success to the connections that faculty members enjoy. Āé¶¹APPās great reputation also plays a part.
āI feel whatever resources I need, Iām going to get,ā she says.
She compares the instrumental music environment at Āé¶¹APP to a family. āThe faculty help you with any questions you have and make you feel really welcome,ā she says. āYouāre also free to talk to anybody. Itās really professional, but itās really open as well.ā
Article Information
Published
June 26, 2018
Author
Office of Marketing and Strategic Communication