Cathy Harbison McKinney

In Memoriam
Cathy Harbison McKinney, PhD, MT-BC
Fellow, Association of Music and Imagery

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Cathy H. McKinney, who transitioned from this life on June 24, 2026, in Boone, North Carolina.

Born on January 30, 1952, in Morganton, North Carolina to Leighton Harbison and Ruby Pharr, Dr. McKinney, a loving wife and mother, leaves a legacy of profound dedication to the field of music therapy. She pursued her academic foundation at Duke University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Music. She continued her specialized studies at Western Michigan University (Music Therapy Equivalency) and the University of Northern Colorado (Master of Arts in Music Therapy), ultimately completing her Doctorate in Interdepartmental Studies in Music Therapy and Behavioral Medicine at the University of Miami.

Dr. McKinney’s distinguished career spanned clinical practice, teaching, and leadership. Her clinical work began at Broughton Hospital in Morganton, NC, followed by significant academic appointments at the University of Miami, Appalachian State University, and Aalborg University in Denmark. She also served as a Primary Trainer for the Association of Music and Imagery and maintained a private practice through the Appalachian GIM Institute.

As professor emerita of music therapy in the Hayes School of Music at Appalachian State University, Dr. McKinney was the founding program director of the graduate and undergraduate music therapy programs, the Appalachian GIM Institute, and the Music Therapy Clinic. Her contributions to the field were recognized nationally; she was a past recipient of the American Music Therapy Association’s Award of Merit (2003) and the Spirit of Unification Award (2008). In 2009, she received the University of North Carolina System Board of Governors Excellence in Teaching Award. She served in numerous leadership roles, including on the AMTA Assembly of Delegates, the Academic Program Approval Committee, the Education and Clinical Training Advisory Board, and various editorial boards.

In recognition of her 31 years of distinguished leadership, Dr. McKinney carried the university mace during the combined commencement ceremony of the Hayes School of Music, the Reich College of Education, and University College on May 6, 2026. Earlier this year, in March 2026, the music therapy program honored her retirement with a celebratory event highlighting her extensive clinical work and research.

Cathy will be dearly missed by the many lives she touched through her mentorship, teaching, kindness, and leadership. Her impact on students, colleagues, and the broader music therapy community will be felt for years to come.

She is survived by her husband, Dr. Harold V. McKinney, PhD; her children, Mr. Christopher McKinney and Ms. Moriah McKinney, both of Boone, NC; and her siblings, Elaine Hathor, West Jefferson, NC and Scott Harbison, Morganton, NC. 

A Celebration of Life will be held in early Fall. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that her dedicated work, as a mentor, musician, and therapist, be honored by contributing to “The Cathy McKinney Fund for Guided Imagery and Music.” Please make checks payable to ASU Foundation and mail to: Melinda Friddell, ASU Foundation, PO Box 32176, Boone, NC, 28608. Please include "Cathy McKinney" in the memo line so your gift is properly directed.