Voice Instructors at the Community Music School
Learn more about private music lessons here! Please note the instructor's level (Apprentice, Master, or Professional) to determine the rates for the lessons.
Apprentice
Kate Haycraft, voice
Kate Haycraft (soprano) is a student at Appalachian State University, double majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders and Vocal Performance. She is pursuing a career as a speech-language pathologist, hoping to specialize in singing voice therapy and voice disorders. She currently studies voice under Dr. Gennard Lombardozzi. Kate has performed with University Singers, Appalachian Opera Theater, and for various commencement and installation ceremonies for Appalachian State University. She recently performed as Lauretta in Gianni Schicchi in App Opera Theater’s Spring production and as Cendrillon in Cendrillon by Viardot.
Teaching Philosophy: With a passion for the intersection of speech science and voice, I aim to combine my knowledge of vocal pedagogy with the anatomy and physiology of the voice to offer students a holistic, evidence-based approach to healthy, sustainable singing. I believe that everyone is capable of a beautiful sound, no matter what their experience is. I hope to create a welcoming environment (with a touch of fun!) for all students to thrive in. I specialize in classical and operatic singing, and I am happy to assist with honor choir auditions, theater auditions, college auditions, or other competition preparation. I hope to see you in my studio!
Quinn Keller, voice
Quinn Keller (tenor) is a fourth-year undergraduate Choral Music Education student in the Hayes School of Music, studying under Dr. Tyler Young and Dr. Lesley Friend. He is also an alumnus of the UNC School of the Arts High School, where he began his collegiate studies toward a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance under Professor Glenn Siebert before switching his focus to music education and transferring to App State. Quinn is a student assistant and section leader for the Community Music School’s Appalachian Chorale and has served as music director for Beanstalk Community Theatre’s summer musical. He is also a member of Appalachian State’s University Singers and Opera Workshop. Quinn has experience working with a wide range of ages, skill levels, and vocal styles. Quinn is passionate about opera and has traveled with the Varna International Music Academy, performing the role of Gherardo in Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi in Varna, Bulgaria, and Asiago, Italy. He has also performed in Appalachian Opera Theatre’s production of Gianni Schicchi as Betto di Signa, Bizet’s Le Docteur Miracle as Le Podestat, and will play Doctor Gregg in Douglass Moore’s Gallantry. In addition to his love of opera, Quinn has an extensive musical theatre background, having performed in Cabaret, Annie, Sister Act, Legally Blonde, Mamma Mia!, Elf the Musical, and A Little Night Music. Most recently, he served as music director for SpongeBob the Musical.
Teaching Philosophy: There is no one size fits all approach to learning. I believe in using a combination of visual, aural, and somatic approaches to help students navigate the complicated art of singing at any age or experience level. Each voice is different and that’s what makes singing such a beautiful art form. My goal is to use classical techniques and pedagogy to give students the tools to harness their voices to sing freely and with confidence, becoming well-rounded singers in any style or genre they choose.
Alexander Cox, voice
Alexander Cox (tenor) is a junior pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance at the Hayes School of Music, where he studies under Dr. Gennard Lombardozzi. He has been actively involved in a variety of vocal ensembles on campus, including University Singers, Glee Club, App Chorale, Opera Workshop, and Gospel Choir. In addition to his ensemble work, Alexander serves as the Music Director for VoiceMale, a student-led a cappella group.
As a composer, Alexander has written several choral works, one of which—Nothing Gold Can Stay—was performed by the Appalachian Chorale. His performance experience includes roles such as Brack Weaver in Kurt Weill’s Down in the Valley, Willy Wonka in Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka, and Mr. Mushnik in Little Shop of Horrors.
Teaching Philosophy: Singing requires a level of vulnerability unlike any other instrument. Because of this, teaching voice isn’t just about developing technique — it’s also about building confidence. It’s about helping students believe that they have something worth sharing and that their voice matters. So let’s work together toward your vocal goals – whether that’s finding your unique sound, performing classical repertoire, or simply learning how to sing more freely. My goal as a teacher is to foster a space in which students feel comfortable and confident to explore those things – to foster a space where growth is encouraged, self-doubt is challenged, and to honor the voice for what it is: one of the most powerful means of self-expression.
Master
Amber Joy Koeppen, voice
Amber Joy Koeppen (Carpenter), Instructor of Harp at the Hayes School of Music, is a harpist and vocalist and an avid teacher in both disciplines. She has received degrees in Harp Performance and Vocal Pedagogy from UNC Charlotte and a Masters in Music from the University of Michigan.
As a solo performer, she has been a prize winner in a number of national and international harp competitions, including being awarded First Place in the Rosen-Schaffel Competition for Young and Emerging Artists. As a recipient of this award, she has twice been a guest concerto artist with the Eastern Music Festival Orchestra under the direction of Gerard Schwarz. In addition to her extensive solo work, Mrs. Koeppen has also performed with the New York City Ballet, the Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra, the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, and the Union Symphony Orchestra, as well as various chamber groups. She has performed across the United States and abroad, including the World Harp Congress in Sydney, Australia, and has lectured at the WAAE music education conference in Auckland, New Zealand.
Mrs. Koeppen also maintains an active teaching career. She has taught at various summer music programs including Interlochen Center for the Arts and the American Harp Society’s Camp Innovation, and she has helped to found and run Brush Strokes and Music Notes’ summer program for children which incorporates a diverse body of students from various backgrounds in a week of arts and music immersion. She has been the Music Director and a member of the vocal and harp faculty of GreenSpring International Academy of Music and also has a private music studio offering harp and voice lessons to both children and adults. Her students are active musicians who have been accepted into notable music programs, performed in venues such as the White House and Biltmore Estate, and have been prize winners in solo competitions.
Professional
Dr. Tyler Young, voice
Adjunt Instructor of Voice at the Hayes School of Music