Kathryn Koopman

Kathryn Koopman  composition, woodwinds, brass, piano, voice, beginner guitar


Kathryn Koopman is a performer, music educator, and electro-acoustic composer originally from Dallas, Georgia. She began taking piano lessons in the 2nd grade, and later began playing the clarinet in the 6th grade. Her formal instruction as a clarinetist began her senior year of high school under Kennesaw State University's clarinet professor, John Warren. While in high school, Kathryn participated in the Georgia honor band, All-State band, Janfest, and the Roswell chapter of the Conn-Selmer Honor band, which played alongside guest artists such as the Canadian Brass. She also received the John Philip Sousa award from her band program at East Paulding High School.

Kathryn received her undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia as a double major in Music Education and Music Composition. During her time there, she has studied clarinet under Dr. Ray McClellan and performed in ensembles such as the Wind Symphony as principle player, Wind Ensemble, and Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, she has played mellophone with the UGA Redcoat band, and has sung with the UGA Repertory Singers and University Chorus. Currently, she is working on her Masters degree in Music Composition at the University of Georgia, focusing her work on creative electronic projects and collaborations with soloists and chamber ensembles.

As a composer, Kathryn’s music is often inspired by the natural world and by cross-collaborations in the disciplines of art and dance. She has written for many mediums, including wind band, choir, chamber ensembles, and electronics. Her works have been performed by Dal Niente Ensemble, Southland Ensemble, Transient Canvas, Bent Frequency Duo, Pie for Two, Safety Second, Rote Hund Muzik, and D@wgbyt3s Electronic Ensemble. She has played in bands and ensembles around Athens that specialize in improv/free jazz, and has led several recording projects and album releases. She is also a founding member and clarinet/bass-clarinet performer in the Athens-based new music ensemble, Incongruency, dedicated to performing and commissioning new works. She has studied composition under Natalie Williams, Jesse B. Jones, Adam Roberts, and Peter Van Zandt Lane.

Samples of her work may be found at https://kathrynkoopman.com/.

Kathryn is looking forward to sharing her deep joy of music-making with her students!