Katrina Lacombe '26 has loved music her entire life, so when it came to deciding what she wanted to study in college, music was an obvious choice. As a second-year student who is deeply immersed in her college education, she is already thinking about the next step in her music career. The Hartt school has deepened her passion in music, and guided her towards professional success as a musician.
Lacombe is a music management major, with a concentration in commercial voice. She came to Hartt as a transfer in the spring of her first year. In just a short time since her landing at UHart, she says that “the University has supported my goals by providing me the opportunity to work with RedTail Records.” Her time spent working at RedTail Records has increased her knowledge of the music industry. Upon graduation, she hopes to work for a record label or artist management company in NYC or Nashville.
Lacombe’s courses have provided tremendous insight into what her future career may look like. She finds music management classes to provide an especially valuable and dynamic approach to the ever-changing industry. UHart has also provided Lacombe with opportunities for further professional experience, which she considers to be indispensable. Over the past year, she has worked at the Career and Professional Development Office as a Student Ambassador, which has prepared her for interviews and the job application process.
The connections Lacombe has forged at UHart have propelled her career forward. She’s been able to work with “amazing students that are so passionate about the industry; it’s been so rewarding.” She also speaks highly of her professors (Mehmet Dede and Barbara Ally) who have helped her pursue personal and professional goals. This has allowed her to land an internship in music marketing for Untitledexport Management, based in New Jersey.
While Lacombe is an example of the many talents found among students at Hartt and UHart, she is aware that her ambition and success are a testament to both her own drive and the community she is part of. Her favorite thing about UHart is the community. In addition to her mentors and the activities she engages in on and off campus, she’s already made “exceptional friends and meaningful connections that I am so grateful for.” One piece of advice she would give to fellow students is: “put yourself out there and get out of your comfort zone…growth doesn’t happen when you’re standing still, you have to push yourself.”
Katrina Lacombe '26, The Hartt School of MusicPut yourself out there and get out of your comfort zone…growth doesn’t happen when you’re standing still, you have to push yourself.