Katie Mess

Katie Mess serves as an Assistant Teaching Professor of Flute at Montana State University's School of Music within the College of Arts and Architecture, teaching applied flute, chamber music, and music theory courses while maintaining an active performance schedule through 2025.

Her academic credentials include:

• D.M.A. in Music from the University of Florida (2022) with cognate in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology
• M.A. in Music from the University of Central Florida (2016)
• M.M. in Music Theory from the University of Colorado (2015)
• B.A. in Music from Rollins College (2012)

Dr. Mess's research centers on musculoskeletal injury prevention for performers and health and wellness for performers, enhanced by her National Association of Sports Medicine certification as a Corrective Exercise Specialist. Her flute pedagogy expertise integrates physiological principles to address critical wellness issues in musical performance, promoting sustainable careers for musicians through evidence-based teaching practices.

Her recent creative output demonstrates consistent engagement with contemporary chamber music, particularly through the 406 Winds faculty ensemble, featuring new compositions and thematic programs like Climate Change Week concerts that connect artistic expression with societal issues.

Dr. Mess actively contributes to professional communities as an officer of the Montana Flute Association (President/Elect/Past since March 2024), member of the National Flute Association's Performance Health Committee, and participant in the Performing Arts Medicine Association's Young Professionals Committee, while directing flute ensembles and community outreach initiatives.