Katheryn Allen studies piano with Dr. Chiu-Ling Lin, chair of the Drake University Music department. She will begin her college studies at the University of Iowa, from which she has been awarded a full scholarship for piano performance.

During the summer of 2003, Ms. Allen was invited to study piano with Dr. Soo Young Lee at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL as part of the National High School Music Institute. She made her performing debut at Northwestern University's Lutkin Hall, playing the Saint-Saens Piano Concerto No. 2 in G Minor.

Ms. Allen has accompanied soloists in the Des Moines area and at Northwestern University, and was named one of two 2003 Iowa All State Choir accompanists. She also performs with the Valley High School Piano Quintet, an ensemble which earned a superior rating at the 2004 Iowa High School Music Association State Solo/Ensemble Festival. As a teacher, Ms. Allen maintains a piano studio in Des Moines.

Ms. Allen was recipient of the 2004 Connie Belin Memorial Scholarship for music. The award honors her as "the most outstanding Valley High School senior showing great achievement and potential in the area of music." She also received the 2003 Valley High School Orchestra Award for "outstanding musicianship, leadership, and service to the Valley String Orchestra as chosen by her peers."