Check Out Katherine McKinney’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Katherine McKinney.

Hi Katherine, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m a musician, actor, singer, writer, artist, and educator. At my core, I’ve always been someone who loves to express and connect through performance. From the moment I could talk, I was dressing up, making up stories, and putting on shows for anyone who would watch. Creativity has always helped me navigate the world, and I’ve spent my life trying to shape my little corner of it to look and sound like the dreams I had as a child.

Through music, art, and theater, I built a life rooted in play and imagination. I never stopped playing. After graduating high school in Georgia, I moved to Boston to pursue a BFA in Musical Theater at The Boston Conservatory at Berklee. Musical theater became my doorway into a much larger world of creative possibilities. While there, I discovered a deep love for songwriting, which eventually became the heart of my education.

Since earning my degree in 2020, I’ve continued writing, recording, and releasing original music, while also performing in films, theaters, and music venues across the East Coast. Music has always been more than just something I do. It’s how I make sense of the world. I feel a strong pull to share that gift with others, especially young musicians who are searching for a creative outlet and a safe space to grow.

After returning to Georgia and teaching with a private music school, I realized I wanted to create something more personal, something of my own. That’s when I opened my private teaching studio, serving students in Canton, Woodstock, Cartersville, Marietta, and the greater Atlanta area. My goal is to offer more than just technical training. I want to provide a supportive, welcoming space where students of all ages feel seen, celebrated, and free to express who they truly are through music.

I’ve been lucky to have incredible teachers who helped shape me into the confident artist and person I am today, and now I hope to be that mentor for others. I truly believe music lessons can be just as therapeutic as they are educational, and it’s my joy to tailor each lesson to the unique needs and creative spark of every student.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
While I’ll always be grateful for the opportunities musical theater has given me, my experience in a rigorous BFA program came with its challenges. At times, I felt like I had to mold myself to fit the material, rather than bringing my full self to the work. I struggled with giving myself permission to be different. I often focused on trying to become what I thought the people behind the audition table wanted, mimicking the actors who had played those roles before me instead of trusting my own instincts.

That mindset began to wear down my creative spirit. I started to lose sight of who I was as an artist. But everything shifted when I discovered songwriting. It gave me a space where I didn’t have to fit into anyone else’s mold. Instead of shrinking myself to match the work, I began creating work that expanded to hold all of who I am.

Through songwriting, I found my voice—not just musically, but personally. It allowed me to rediscover the joy in performing and gave me the confidence to bring my unique perspective into every role I play. That experience taught me that the most powerful thing an artist can do is honor their individuality. It’s a lesson I carry with me and something I now try to instill in every student I teach.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I teach private music lessons in voice, piano, guitar, ukulele, trumpet, songwriting, and demo production. I work with students of all ages and backgrounds, tailoring each lesson to their individual needs, goals, and learning styles. I firmly believe that it’s never too soon or too late to begin a musical journey, and I strive to create an environment where students feel both supported and inspired.

What sets my teaching apart is the way I combine strong technical instruction with a deep focus on personal expression and creative growth. I view healthy technique as the foundation, but once that foundation is in place, the real work begins. I help my students use their instrument, whether it’s their voice, a piano, or a pen, as a tool for self-discovery and storytelling. My approach supports not only technical skill but also confidence, emotional expression, and artistic identity.

I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built with my students and the growth I get to witness in them, not just as musicians but as people. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see a student find their voice, write their first song, or perform with confidence for the first time. I aim to be the kind of teacher I always needed, someone who sees the whole person, not just the musician, and who encourages them to trust their unique creative voice.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
For me, risk-taking is really about belief. You have to believe in yourself before anyone else will. I’ve always tried to follow what feels true to me, even when the outcome is uncertain.

I grew up in a small town in Georgia where I was lucky to attend a high school that supported the arts. But even with that support, not many people I knew pursued the arts beyond graduation, and there weren’t many examples of what a career in this field could look like. Still, I knew I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. So I took a big leap and moved to Boston to attend a conservatory for musical theater. It was a major change, far from home with no guaranteed outcome, but I felt called to take that chance on myself.

Now I’m back in Georgia, performing, writing and releasing music, and teaching. After two years of teaching private lessons through a school, I took another risk by starting my own private teaching studio. Owning a business comes with its own set of challenges, especially in a creative field. The work can be unpredictable, and not everyone prioritizes the arts or arts education. But I’ve learned that the arts are more than a luxury. They are a necessity. They offer expression, connection, and a way to grow.

As a creative, I’ve come to see that making original work, whether it’s music, art, or performance, is a daily act of risk-taking. You put something personal into the world not knowing how it will be received. That uncertainty never fully goes away, but over time, I’ve learned to trust my intuition and vision. Each song I write or performance I give is a quiet bet on myself.

I don’t mind taking risks because I know that if something doesn’t feel aligned or meant for me, it doesn’t have to be forever. I’d rather take a chance on doing what I love than settle for something that doesn’t spark anything in me. I believe that when you commit to your passion, the risks become part of the journey and part of the reward.

Pricing:

• $60 for 1hr private lesson
• $50 for 45min private lesson
• $40 for 30min private lesson

Contact Info:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/yittytak
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-mckinney-967284254
• Other: https://linktr.ee/katmckinney

Image Credits
Lola Scott
Alissa Wyle – Holy Smokes Photography
Lucas M Photography