Hayes School of Music

Mrs. Amber Joy Koeppen (Carpenter) is the adjunct instructor of harp in the Hayes School of Music at Appalachian State University and the Director of the Appalachian State University Community Music School. Mrs. Koeppen has also taught at various summer music programs including Cannon Music Camp, Interlochen Center for the Arts, and the American Harp Society’s Camp Innovation. Her students are active musicians who have been accepted into notable music programs, performed in various venues across the United States, and have been prize winners in solo competitions. She is dedicated to preparing students to be successful performing artists and to help them thrive in musical careers. In recognition of her efforts, Mrs. Koeppen has received the Hayes School of Music Outstanding Excellence in Teaching Award. 

As a performing artist, she has been a prize winner and recipient of distinguished honors in a number of renowned harp competitions, including being awarded First Place in the 2014 Rosen-Schaffel Competition for Young and Emerging Artists. In addition to her extensive solo work, Mrs. Koeppen has also performed with the New York City Ballet, the Johnson City Symphony Orchestra, 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 holds a Master in Music in Harp Performance from the University of Michigan. She also earned a Bachelor of Music in Harp Performance and a Graduate Certificate in Vocal Pedagogy from UNC Charlotte. 

Website: Amberjoykoeppen.com