Where Learning Music is a Safe Haven.
This summer, Christ Anglican Church in Orange, VA is hosting us to have a blast playing, singing and dancing, July 13-17. Beat the summer heat and involve your student in the timeless art form of music by playing while they learn instrumentation, improv and singing!
New Song Music Haven.
Your Music Teacher in Virginia
It's Summer Camp time! Check out our Services page for students ages 7-12.
“Tell me, I forget,
show me, I remember,
involve me, I understand. ”
- Carl Orff
“Tell me, I forget, show me,
I remember, involve me, I understand. ”
Located in Orange, Virginia
New Song Music Haven fosters singers and student instrumentalists through private and group lessons where everyone can explore musical art at their own pace.
We serve students throughout Central and Northern Virginia, including homeschool, public, and private school families. As students learn to listen, focus, and express themselves through music, they also grow in self-awareness, social and emotional skills, and the ability to work well with others. Scholarships and military discounts available.
Music lessons develop critical thinking, musicianship, and essential life skills so that young and old alike prosper from this form of participatory self-expression.
In a world full of screens and distractions, lessons give students a healthy, creative outlet that can stay with them for life.
That's why this summer, I am excited to offer Orff Schulwerk instrumentation Camp for elementary through lower secondary students. Each student will learn rhythm, pitch, movement, improv and singing through the art of play at Christ Anglican Church in Orange. Private voice lessons run throughout the month of July for students young and old to learn how to better navigate their singing voice.
Ready to find the right fit for you or your child?
We were all created to make music.
I have been teaching music for over 30 years to students ages Pre-K through 85. My previous work in higher education colors my approach with young students because the sky is always their limit. With advanced tools in my bag, they play, improvise, and perform with confidence, while also learning poise, self-control, and how to receive both encouragement and constructive feedback.
What sets New Song Music Haven apart:
I hold a current Virginia teaching license, Orff Schulwerk certification, and a Masters and Doctorate in Vocal Performance. I also keep my craft current by attending regional workshops and conferences.
I expound upon public and private school music classes and can fulfill music education components for homeschool families, offering a strong arts option that fits their goals.
I have performed Classical, Christian Contemporary, Music Theatre, and Pop music for live audiences in large and small venues, which allows me to support a wide variety of musical interests.
I gain recurring education in my specialties by regular attendance at Orff Schulwerk and choral workshops.
We are so excited to be hosted by Christ Anglican Church, Orange, for camp this year!
Student campers and parents have the assurance of a large space to sing, dance and play with ease, along with two restrooms and water fountains for their comfort during camp. Camp address is 153 E. Main St., Orange, VA.
During private lessons on our farm, parents have plenty of room for parking, walking, or sitting indoors. The voice studio incudes a Yamaha upright piano and plenty of space to move around while singing. Parents are welcome to stay during lessons, which gives everyone added peace of mind.
Growing musical skills...
I enjoy instructing students on pitched and un-pitched percussion instruments through play, movement and singing in a group environment. Collaboration evolves by playing and performing with others in a fun and unique setting. Orff classes are an excellent preparation for middle school band or orchestra, and enhance piano & voice lessons.
Teaching vocal technique through private lessons helps students develop their own, unique voice. Whether you are new to singing, or need help with a musical theatre role, college auditions, or brushing up breath support, I have many years of experience with singers of varying needs.
For mature singers....
Music is for every stage of life, including the rich and expressive voices of post-menopausal singers and mature male voices.
Whether you’re exploring new vocal colors, refining your breath support, voice placement, or rediscovering your love of singing, New Song Music Haven offers a nurturing space. Your lessons are rooted in dedicated research of singing through change, personal encouragement and solid exercises to strengthen your beautiful voice. Here, your voice is welcomed, celebrated, and strengthened.
Meet The Teacher
Kate Carr Allen, M.M., D.M.A., M.B.T.S
I have been singing to congregations and crowds since the age of 13. My experience includes professional engagements on large and small stages across the U.S., Ukraine and France, singing classical, Christian contemporary, musical theater or opera, as well as leading church worship.
I earned my bachelors degree from Radford University, my Masters of Music at Austin Peay State University, and my Doctorate of Music Arts in vocal performance from the University of Oklahoma. In 2023, I finished a Masters of Biblical and Theological Studies degree at Dallas Theological Seminary, Washington DC campus in order to combine my love of music with my love of God's Word.
Working with school-aged children led me to obtain certification in Orff Schulwerk at George Mason University. In addition to leading Orff ensembles in Fairfax and Fauquier counties, my elementary and high school voice students have placed in district, regional and state level competitions nationwide. My students go on to become music teachers, homeschool moms, worship leaders, recording artists, doctors, pharmacists, marketing execs, bloggers, tv producers, and White House staffers. They learn poise, self-control, proper diction, public presentation skills, and how to process constructive criticism and encouragement from their peers.
When not teaching or writing, you can find me with my husband, Dabney, on our grain farm where I love gardening, cooking, and hanging out with our cats, Pepperoni, Cleopatra, Leo, and SamSam. I recently added pickleball to my new-skill-to-learn list but still cannot put a spin on my serve!
Click to listen
6th Grade Orff Orchestra, Fairfax County, 2016
Working with Kate was one of the most rewarding parts of my college experience.
Kate Carr was my singing teacher while I was a student at the University of Virginia. She was deeply invested in my growth, always taking time to understand my goals and challenge me in ways that felt both supportive and inspiring."
Taylor D.
UVA graduate
Dr. Allen is a really great music teacher. She is so nice and understanding.
Even when the boys in music class make funny jokes, she calls them out but she laughs too – that's pretty cool! She understands what it's like to be a kid. She's the best music teacher I've ever had.”
Reyhan S.
FCPS student
Thank you so much for your support, guidance, and expertise.
I’ve overcome my fear and I couldn’t have done it without you! God bless you always.”
Katie H.
UVA Graduate
Kate has been such a blessing to me and our whole family in so many ways.
I’m praising God that we found her, because I think it’s really important to know that I’m learning to use my voice not because I am so great, but to praise my Maker. It is so refreshing to study under someone who sees it the same way.”
Kate D.
Mason Community Arts Academy
I am so happy Kate was able to take me on as a student.
Her class challenged me and inspired more personal growth than any other class I took during undergrad. She always demanded the best from me, showing me things about myself and my abilities that I never would have believed before.”
Madison D.
UVA Graduate
Thank you not only for pouring yourself, your talents, your love into our daughter, but also for enduring the ups & downs of it. We are grateful for it.”
The Jackson Family
Dr. Allen is a great music teacher and I'm so thankful to have her teach me. She understands us and has fun with us."
Harry M.
FCPS Student
Kate is probably the best music teacher I ever had. I couldn’t have learned to be a better singer without her.”
Madison L.
FCPS Student
“Where words fail, music speaks”
- Hans Christian Anderson
It’s all in the approach…
I cherish working with students who love music but hesitate to reveal their creative side for fear of failure or rejection.
This is why I chose the word "haven" in the name of my studio. In a world that often rushes children along, New Song Music Haven is a faith-based environment that fully encourages exploration of the voice, rhythmic skills, creativity, and the musical energy already within you.
Classes and lessons are tailored to fit your needs and goals. I spend time researching the best song or ensemble piece, and the most appropriate singing range, so that your skills can grow step by step. Children are allowed to play joyfully and experiment with sound and harmony before they are asked to read. We learn by hearing, speaking, and singing first, then reading and composing.
If you are looking for a music teacher in Virginia who sets high yet attainable goals, gives room and grace to make mistakes, and cares deeply about both musical and personal growth, I would be honored to work with you.
