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.

ā€œOne 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. ā€œCollege 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.

ā€œA person can teach, but they have to be able to perform, too,ā€ she says. “They go together.”

ā€œMusic has made a big difference in my life, so I think it can make a big difference in another person’s life, both through performance and teaching. When people learn how to play music, it can really shape their future.

ā€œI 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¶¹APP’s great reputation also plays a part.

ā€œI feel whatever resources I need, I’m going to get,ā€ she says.

She compares the instrumental music environment at Āé¶¹APP to a family. ā€œThe faculty help you with any questions you have and make you feel really welcome,ā€ she says. ā€œYou’re also free to talk to anybody. It’s really professional, but it’s really open as well.ā€