A passionate violinist and teacher in the Chicago area, Karen began her violin studies at the age of five and was a member of the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra for nine years. She then studied Music Education at St. Olaf College where she had the opportunity to tour with the St. Olaf Orchestra both nationally and internationally in China. In 2018, Karen graduated with her Masters degree in Violin Performance and Pedagogy from University of Colorado Boulder. While at CU Boulder she served as the concertmaster of the University of Colorado Boulder Symphony, Chamber Orchestra, Early Music Ensemble, and Opera Orchestra.
An enthusiastic performer, Karen has performed with the Fort Collins Symphony, Midland-Odessa Symphony, Cheyenne Symphony, Eastern Music Festival, Brevard Music Center, Mankato Symphony Orchestra, Wayzata Symphony Orchestra, and various chamber ensembles. She currently performs with the Northbrook Symphony, Oistrakh Symphony, and various chamber ensembles. Her principal teachers include Harumi Rhodes, Francesca Anderegg, and Simonne Tingley.
Dedicated to teaching both in the classroom and privately, she has taught orchestra in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Louisville, Colorado and currently teaches orchestra in Lincolnshire, Illinois while maintaining a private studio and freelancing.
American String Teachers Association