Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Karen is a graduate of Duquesne University where she double-majored in Music Education and Oboe Performance. While at Duquesne she studied with Pittsburgh Symphony oboist James Gorton and was the principal oboist in the Duquesne Symphony Orchestra, Wind Symphony, and Chamber Music Ensembles.
Karen began playing the oboe at age 12. By the time she was 15 she was the principal oboist of The Pittsburgh Civic Orchestra (PCO) and remained so through high school and college. She was also a two-time PMEA Best-in-State oboist. Karen began teaching privately during this time and has been ever since! She has much experience teaching students of all ages. Karen takes pride in having had students achieve PMEA Best-in-State, earn college scholarships, and go on to become professional musicians themselves.
In addition to teaching, Karen is a busy mom with three wonderful sons. She also volunteers for children’s programs at her local library and Cub Scout organization. Her love of music and children is what lead her to Kathy’s Music, where she teaches Kindermusik in addition to private lessons. Karen is very excited to share her knowledge of the oboe and passion for children’s music with us.