App State’s Community Music School welcomes Amber Joy Koeppen as new Director
July 26, 2024
Amber Joy Koeppen, a harpist, educator, and arts administrator at the Hayes School of Music, begins this July as the Director of the Community Music School (CMS) at Appalachian State University. Koeppen was previously the Program Manager for the Community Music School.
“I look forward to working to see the Community Music School grow in its service to our community,” Koeppen says. “As we bring on more instructors in our 2024-2025 season, we plan to offer an even greater breadth of lesson opportunities to our students. Great work has been done here by previous Directors to help CMS develop into the vibrant community that it is, and I am honored to carry on their work and see this organization continue to be a valuable cultural resource for our area.”
Lisl Kuutti Doughton, who served as CMS Director since December 2021 and Program Manager from 2019-2021, continues in her full-time work as Community Engagement Specialist for the Hayes School of Music, a position that includes the year-round management of Cannon Music Camp and the marketing and communications for the Hayes School of Music.
“I have been grateful to be able to trust Amber’s expertise with our students, and I am glad she will bring her administrative experience to leading CMS into Fall 2024 and beyond,” says Doughton.
Amber Joy Koeppen, Director
Amber Joy Koeppen is an award-winning performing artist and educator who is passionate about promoting wellness and a drive for artistic excellence and creativity in students. She is the harp instructor at App State’s Hayes School of Music and a teacher with the Community Music School. A devoted advocate for the arts, Koeppen has previously served as President of the Charlotte Chapter of the American Harp Society and the Executive Director of Brush Strokes and Music Notes, and has demonstrated a unique understanding of the many facets of community engagement integral to the Community Music School’s vision.
Brittany Coco, Program Manager
Brittany Coco, a current Community Music School private teacher on several instruments, will take on the Program Manager role, helping students and families with registration and introducing them to our teachers.
“I am thrilled to continue my work with the Community Music School,” Coco says. "I look forward to upholding the established standard of excellence and furthering our mission to provide accessible music education to our community. I am excited to assist students, families, and teachers in the upcoming year.”
Coco has taught general music, guitar, orchestra, and band in the classroom, and previously served as a Program Coordinator with the Community Music School of Raleigh.
For more information on private lessons, classes, and ensembles in the Appalachian State University Community Music School, please visit music.appstate.edu/cms. The 2024 schedule will be released in August. Programs begin in August and September.
Amber Joy Koeppen with harp
