Kathleen Kinkella

Music has been part of my life since as early as I can remember. I first learned piano and then alto saxophone and eventually performed music competitively throughout high school. A significant moment came when I was invited to join an all-saxophone ensemble at VCU. After the performance, my dad (who rarely showed emotion) had tears in his eyes. That was the moment I truly understood the power of music. And honestly, I’ve been chasing that kind of impact ever since.

At the same time, I’ve always had a drive to improve things; I often notice what isn't working and instinctively want to fix it. This blend of creative heart and strategic mind led me to earn my MBA in Marketing Analytics from Penn State University. I’ve always been drawn to the bigger picture: how people experience a brand, where the gaps are in systems, and how to align what we say with what we deliver.

When I came across the job posting for The Music Studio Atlanta, it felt like it was written just for me. This was a chance to bring all of my experience, my passion, and my love of music into one place. Now, as the marketing director, I get to help families experience the same joy, growth, and connection that music brought into my own life. My work here isn’t just about running campaigns or planning events. It’s about building a symphony behind the scenes—where story, systems, customer experience, and operations all come into harmony.

Music remains a huge part of my life. My three kids have also studied music, and I have seen firsthand how it builds their confidence, creativity, and resilience. A few years ago, I even picked up my sax again to perform a surprise solo alongside some of our amazing teachers at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame during one of our Destination Performances. Because once music becomes part of you, it never really leaves.

To me, marketing is a lot like music; it’s an act of expression and connection. Like performing, great marketing requires preparation, heart, and the ability to tune in to what people truly need. That’s what drives me, and why I love the work we do here. Together with an amazing team, I get to create experiences that resonate deeply with families and help students carry their love for music forward long after the music fades.