Karen C.

I was under the guidance of the New Orleans Symphony Orchestra principals while a member of the New Orleans Symphony Youth Orchesta. I studied with the principal clarinetist of the New Orleans Symphony Orchestra, Valerie Witherspoon while I was in high school. When Valerie retired I got some New Orleans blues and jazz training under the guidance of Jack Richard, a professional New Orleans musician. Once I started Southeastern Louisiana University I studied with Walter Barzenick of the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra. While in college I spent a summer under the guidance of Frank Mannino of Frankie Mann’s Orchestra, a popular New Orleans jazz and dance band director. After graduating with my Masters, I started studying with the Principal of the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra and the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra: Steve Cohen. Their perfection in playing and interest in conveying that to me as their student has come down to me in my teaching.

I have a long history in performances starting in my teens playing with the New Orleans Symphony Youth Orchestra and the District Honor Bands, and the All-State Honor Bands. I was also a soloist with the Loyola Jazz band while a junior in High School and a soloist with the Riverdale band and SLU bands. I was a soloist with the SLU jazz band playing the original Whiteman band arrangement of Gershwin's the Rhapsody in Blue. I played in the Jefferson Parish Lyric Theater Orchestra and over 15 years with the Columbia Theater Players Orchestra. I’ve continued my playing by playing jobs in the Baton Rouge, Hammond and New Orleans area. I have done studio work for numerous bands including the Dameons and continue to do that work today.

My enthusiasm and interest for teaching music started when I was in the 8th grade. I taught the neighborhood children and members of my family how to play music. I wanted them to experience the thrill and excitement that I experienced when I played. Once I was in High School I started teaching the other students their audition material, helping them to achieve their goals, as I achieved mine. I opened a studio in College, teaching the area high school and junior high school students who wanted to study with the local teacher. I helped them achieve that affection for music and accomplishment that I had growing up encouraging them and guiding them along the way. I also taught at the University in Hammond for two years teaching the University Music majors private lessons as well as chamber ensembles. I enjoy teaching and try to make the learning experience fun as well as challenging. In addition to piano, I can teach clarinet, saxophone, flute, oboe and bassoon.