Calista Anne Koch

Calista Anne Koch is a nationally recognized harpist and Lecturer at Mercer University's School of Music, where she conducts the Mercer Harp Ensemble and maintains a private studio of over 15 harp students. Based in Macon, Georgia, she has performed for two U.S. Presidents, Vice Presidents, Senators, Governors, celebrities, and athletes while maintaining an active teaching career since the late 1980s.

Education:

• Bachelor of Music Therapy, Florida State University (1999)
• Master of Music in Harp Performance, Mercer University (2007)
• Master of Music in Church Music, Mercer University (2007)

Professor Koch's professional focus centers on harp performance techniques, therapeutic music applications, and ensemble development. Her career bridges artistic performance with community education, having directed the Atlanta Harp Choir and Middle Georgia Harp Ensemble while pioneering harp music integration in non-traditional settings like the Georgia Aquarium's beluga enrichment programs. She emphasizes practical musicianship through private instruction and youth orchestra coaching.

Scientific Awards and Recognitions:

• Featured in American Harp Journal as exceptional young harpist
• Multiple competition wins including national scholarships

As an educator, Koch has mentored students who won competitions, earned scholarships, and participated in Miss America preliminary events. Several have pursued harp studies at universities nationwide. She co-founded the Covington Community Orchestra and coached youth ensembles, demonstrating sustained commitment to music education across Georgia. Her performance career includes television appearances and engagements for prominent political figures.

Professor Koch directs the Mercer Harp Ensemble and Middle Georgia Harp Ensemble, creating performance pathways for regional harpists. Her innovative community work extends to using recordings for animal enrichment at the Georgia Aquarium, highlighting harp music's therapeutic versatility beyond traditional concert settings.