Dr. Caroline Ahn: Making Her Own Music
BY ERIN BURKETT ’20
5 MIN. READ
Music has been in Caroline Ahn’s DNA for as long as she can remember. The daughter of a music teacher, Dr. Ahn felt this was the path she was meant to follow. Upon relocating to the United States from South Korea in order to pursue her education, Dr. Ahn studied music and received her doctorate from Indiana University.
While trying to balance writing and performing music, teaching, and managing family life, Dr. Ahn answered a call to work at Anderson University. She said, “AU was super welcoming and loving.” Her adjunct professor duties turned into a full-time role, and she has never looked back.
The School of Music, Theatre, and Dance is proud to offer music composition where students can explore their own creative pursuits and learn from real composers, such as Dr. Ahn. She is committed to helping students explore and learn while fostering a community of openness and collaboration.
“I’m kind of like a school mom,” Dr. Ahn shared, expressing how deeply she cares for her students and her desire to connect with them throughout their time at AU. Both campus and the Anderson community became a home for her, and she strives to carry the same sentiment forward for others.
Dr. Ahn always knew she wanted to teach, but she is also fulfilled by her own modern, classical compositions. She integrates her faith into her work, using it as a tool to worship the Lord and reflect God’s glory. God’s nurturing provision has been a guiding principle in her own life, and she celebrates that through her own music.
Moving forward as the new creative director for the department, Dr. Ahn plans to welcome anyone who has a desire to play or perform music, noting that they need not even be a music student. “I want to create a place for music to connect people on campus with each other and themselves,” Dr. Ahn said. She also hopes to welcome more international students to the program in the future and prays the department will be an inviting place for all.
A musician, a teacher, and a mother, Dr. Ahn is always busy. However, she is never too busy to answer a phone call from a student or meet with someone who hopes to join in on the spiritual experience of music.
Anderson University educates students for lives of faith and service, offering more than 50 undergraduate majors, 30 three-year degrees, 18 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports, alongside adult, graduate, and online programs. The private, liberal arts institution is fully accredited and recognized for excellence in business, computer science, cybersecurity, engineering, music, nursing, psychology, and teacher education programs. Established in 1917 in Anderson, Indiana, by the Church of God, the university remains committed to its Christ-centered mission.