Kristen Allred

Kristen Allred received her Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Pedagogy from Utah State University, where she studied piano with Gary Amano and jazz with Larry Smith. She was honored to receive the Teacher of the Year Award from USU’s piano conservatory.

Kristen has taught piano for more than 35 years and loves incorporating composition into her lessons. Many of her students have discovered a love for composing and have placed in statewide composition contests. She has served as Composition Chair for the North Carolina Music Teachers Association and enjoys accompanying the Northeast Piedmont Chorale.

Kristen enjoys writing music that is imaginative, expressive, and motivating for students to play. Her pieces are often included on repertoire lists for festivals and competitions, with several works selected for the National Federation of Music Clubs bulletin.

Outside of her musical life, Kristen enjoys hosting guests at her lakeside Airbnb, sharing hidden gems on her travel blog, The Trippy Life, and spending time with her husband, children, and beloved pets.