Mikayla McCommas, a North Texas native, is a Doctoral Candidate at Indiana University with a passion for teaching, researching, and performing music. She earned her Master’s in Horn Performance at IU, where she studied both modern and natural horn, following her undergraduate studies in Music Education at Stephen F. Austin State University.

Currently, Mikayla serves as the Adjunct Instructor of Horn at the University of Tennessee at Martin, teaching a variety of courses including Music Appreciation, Fundamentals of Theory, Horn Pedagogy, and private lessons. She has taught private horn lessons for over a decade and previously served as an Associate Instructor of Horn at Indiana University, where she was involved in both teaching and administrative work within the horn department. Her approach to teaching is shaped by the mentorship of inspiring horn instructors including Karen Houghton, Charles Gavin, Alex Shuhan, Richard Seraphinoff, Dale Clevenger, and Jeff Nelsen.

Her research focuses on deliberate practice methods for horn players, with a particular interest in how jazz musicians approach their craft. She has presented on topics such as efficient practice habits and is currently exploring how jazz-based methods can enhance the study of classical horn repertoire.

As a performer, Mikayla enjoys a wide-ranging freelance career. She has played with regional orchestras, jammed with big bands, and shared her love of chamber music throughout the Midwest. At the University of Tennessee at Martin, she continues to perform as a faculty artist. She also founded the Big Red Horn Club at Indiana University—a collaborative horn choir that brought together nearly fifty horn students to perform and engage with the local community.

Her transformative experience at the Kendall Betts Horn Camp led to her joining the camp staff and later stepping into the role of Associate Operations Director. Beyond her musical pursuits, Mikayla works as an administrative assistant for IU’s brass department and as a barista and baker at a local coffee shop.

She believes a good day starts with long tones and strong coffee—though her horn might argue the coffee gets more attention.

Website: mikaylamccommas.com