Kaitlyn Beasley-Zeitler is a second year master’s student at Arizona State University, studying bassoon performance under Dr. Albie Micklich. While she is originally from Leander, Texas, Kaitlyn received her undergraduate degree in bassoon performance and graduated summa cum laude under the instruction of Dr. Christin Schillinger at Ithaca College. Ithaca, being just South of Cayuga Lake in Central New York, is home to a plethora of beautiful gorges and trails which Kaitlyn frequented in her free time. 

Throughout her four years at Ithaca College, Kaitlyn developed her own private studio and local bassoon reed business, held sub positions with the Cornell and Binghamton University Symphony Orchestras, and taught children’s music classes at The Community School of Music and Arts in downtown Ithaca. As Kaitlyn continued her professional development, she began seeking opportunities to hone her skills outside of Ithaca. This led her to attend the Imani Winds Chamber Music Festival during the summer of 2024. Following this, Kaitlyn accepted a Junior Faculty position with Bocal Majority for their 2025 Summer season, teaching reed classes and chamber music to a group of 7th grade bassoonists. In the same summer, she attended the Madeline Island Chamber Music Festival, where she was offered instruction by each of the members of the WindSynch and WindScape woodwind quintets. 

Since beginning her studies at ASU in 2025, Kaitlyn has served as one of the teaching assistants for the bassoon studio, been invited to participate in the Akropolis Chamber Music Institute, and spent the rest of the Summer on the residential staff for the string program at Madeline Island Chamber Music. As she receives more and more training in developing her musicianship, community has grown into a large part of what drives her to not only continue working hard toward personal endeavors, but also in providing support for her students and colleagues.

Motivated by the teachings of each musician she has met during her studies, Kaitlyn has been able to discover her love for new music, chamber music, and simply making music with other talented individuals. It is because of them that she is able to look forward to all of the exciting things that ASU has to offer! 

Kathleen Muehring is a second-year master's student at Arizona State University, studying bassoon performance under the instruction of Dr. Albie Micklich and music theory pedagogy under the instruction of Dr. Lindsey Reymore and Dr. Spencer Arias. Originally from Dubuque, Iowa, Muehring received a Bachelor of Music Education from Central Michigan University, graduating summa cum laude. With extensive focus on bassoon, studying under Professor MaryBeth Minnis, and music theory and pedagogy, studying under Dr. Ashlee Busch, Muehring is extremely grateful for every opportunity to learn from and perform with people from all walks of life.

While attending Central Michigan University, Muehring was the principal bassoon for both the Central Michigan University Symphony Orchestra and Symphonic Wind Ensemble. During the summer of 2023-2024, they attended the Rocky Ridge College Intensive Festival, as well as the NewBassoon Institute at the University of Michigan in 2024. Alongside musical studies, Muehring was the head band manager of the Chippewa Marching Band, allowing for the opportunity to give back to a community that gave them so much. At Arizona State University, Muehring continues their love of teaching through lessons to bassoon students and as a teaching assistant for Music Theory I. They continue to make music in ASU music ensembles, including the Arizona State University Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, and Chamber Winds Ensemble.

With passions in music theory and pedagogy, as well as performing alongside amazing people, Muehring’s continuing goal is to pass on the knowledge they have received from the many inspiring teachers—both formal and informal—they have had over the years through connection, intentionality, and continuous support. Being able to do so at Arizona State University is a privilege they are not going to forget.