Embracing a wide spectrum of musical styles, Dr. Ahn writes music inspired by the natural world. Her music is described as ‘entirely delicate and lyrical’ yet has a strong power that grabs audience’s attention. Her recent style shows using a more minimalistic approach to music but still greatly focusing on timbre using a lot of repeating and perpetuating motions.

Born in Seoul, Korea, Dr. Caroline KyungA Ahn holds degrees from Yonsei University (BM in composition), Eastman School of Music (MM and MA in composition and pedagogy of theory), and Indiana University (DM in composition). Her compositions include orchestral, chamber, and theatrical works that have been widely performed in South Korea, the United States, Europe, and South America.

Winner of 2018 Christine Clark/ Theodore Front Prize of IAWM (International Alliance for Women in Music), Dr. Ahn’s achievements include being named a finalist of the American Prize in Orchestra division, being chosen for ISCM New Music Days, the Excellence in Composition prize at the IBCF (International Brass Chamber Music Festival, KY), and a finalist for the Respighi Composition Competitions of 2014 season. Dr. Ahn was also selected as one of the finalists of Sioux Symphony Orchestra as ‘Composer of the Year’ in 2014. Dr, Ahn won the Donghak Civil War theme song competition in Korea in the same year.

Her commissions include Carmel Symphony Orchestra, Anderson Symphony Orchestra, Unity Point Middle School District, Seoul Metropolitan Chorus, Anderson University Chorale, Kaeum String Orchestra, Carmel City (IN) to write the opening and finale music of Carmel Festival (IN) in July 2012, New York Classical Players, Inspirare Trio, IKTUS Percussion Quartet, ISO Players, IMTA Commissioned Composer of the year of 2015, Indiana State Contemporary Music Festival, Cramped Spaces, Mirus Trio, and many more.

Dr. Ahn is an Artist in Residence for both The Classic Art and Thegenbals Society (musical group and agency) in Korea and released an album entitled ‘Classical Ballad’ which is available on Amazon, iTunes, and other streaming sites.

Dr. Ahn currently works as the artistic director and assistant professor of music in the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance at Anderson University where she teaches music composition, music theory, and piano. She works as a director of Piano and Composition Summer camp at Anderson University. She also serves on the committee at Cultural Inclusion at College Music Society and as a conference chair and a chair of the Commissioned Composer program at IMTA. Dr. Ahn serves as a president of the non-profit community serving group Sound of Hope that was co-founded with her husband Dr. Soong Ahn.

Learn more about her commissions and awards on her professional website.

Dr. Caroline KyungA Ahn
Artistic Director of the School of Music, Theatre, & Dance
Assistant Professor of Music
DM, Indiana University
MM and MA, Eastman School of Music
BM Yonsei University