Cadek Conservatory of Music Welcomes New Coordinator for 2021-22 Year

Cadek Conservatory of Music at GPS welcomes Katie Talley as Cadek Coordinator for the 2021-22 year. A skilled music instructor, Talley will guide the historic music conservancy through its 117th year as a leading Chattanooga-area music institution. 

Talley also joins Girls Preparatory School as a faculty member. As an Exploring Music teacher for sixth grade, Talley will guide GPS students through an introduction to music, a key facet of the GPS Middle School curriculum. 

“Cadek Conservatory serves the entire community as a leader in music education, offering private instruction, group classes, and more to students from around the region,” says Lynne Macziewski, Director of Cadek and Associate Head of School at GPS. “We’re excited to add Katie’s experience to not just Cadek but also to the students at GPS.”

Talley joined Cadek as a voice, piano, and violin instructor in 2018 and has assisted with administrative duties since early 2019. She’s led students of all ages through private instruction since 2007. As Cadek Coordinator, Talley is eager to make music education more accessible throughout the Chattanooga region and empower Cadek instructors to build strong relationships with students, one of the foundations of success in music education.

“The investment in music education is a worthwhile endeavor because of the character it builds in a student and their families,” Talley says. “Cadek is a welcoming conservatory, open to everyone, where every student can learn. We have a long history of music excellence, and our incredible instructors build relationships with students that empower them to grow and learn as individuals. Their flexible, adaptable techniques invite students on an adventure to unlock their potential through music.”

Before teaching music at Tennessee Christian Academy and as a private instructor, Talley received her Bachelor of Arts from Lee University School of Music. During her tenure with the world-renowned Lee University Campus Choir, Talley performed under the direction of the late Dr. David Horton and Dr. Mark Bailey, as well as with the Lee University Choral Union, under the direction of Dr. William Green. She studied and worked in the vocal studio of the late Mrs. Virginia Horton, a former Cadek instructor and a longtime mentor and role model for Talley.

“Under the guidance of the Hortons, I learned that music is a place of grace, not perfection, and I found my voice in whatever instrument I played,” Talley says. “In a world where we’re all so divided, music has the power to connect—it’s a discipline that crosses both sides of the brain, and it connects the liberal arts, humanities, fine arts, math, science, art, and expression.” 

Talley is looking forward to supporting the team of Cadek instructors to best guide their students with plans to grow community partnerships, expand program offerings, and strengthen the conservatory’s satellite campuses at The Bright School and McCallie School.