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 strong power that grabs audience's attention. Her recent style shows using more minimalistic approach to music but still greatly focusing on timbre using a lot of repeating and perpetuating motions.
Born in Seoul, Korea, 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
Dr. Ahn currently works as an Assistant Professor and Artist in Residence 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 as committee on Cultural Inclusion at College Music Society, as a chair for Opus Composition Festival and a chair of 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.
Winner of 2018 Christine Clark/ Theodore Front Prize of IAWM (International Alliance for Women in Music), Dr. Ahn’s achievements include being as one of the finalists of 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. Caroline was also selected as one of the finalists of Sioux Symphony Orchestra as ‘Composer of the Year’ in 2014. Caroline won the Donghak Civil War theme song competition in Korea in the same year.
Commissions include Anderson Symphony Orchestra, Kaeum String Orchestra, ‘The 3Beats’ trio, 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 Player group, 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.