I am so pleased that I found Karen to instruct my 11 yr old daughter, Emma, on the violin/fiddle. When deciding on Karen, my ultimate decision came down to the connection she was able to make with my daughter in just a 30 minute trial lesson. My daughter came out of the lesson beaming and said, “she’s the one – I think we should have my lessons with her!”
Karen has reassured my daughter through difficult musical times and has encouraged her to aim high– Karen prepared Emma for her Front Range Youth Symphony audition over several months. Emma was pleased when she was awarded a spot in the first section of this youth symphony program – while I feel my daughter has some natural talent, I doubt she would have been awarded first section without Karen’s guidance, instruction, and encouragement.
In searching for instructors, I wanted an instructor who could also encourage Emma’s interest in fiddle. However, I didn’t want two separate teachers and thus two separate lessons. We lucked out with Karen as she is an accomplished fiddler and has really been stoking my daughter’s interest in bluegrass,traditional folk, and celtic music.
I can’t say enough kind words about Karen and her ability to connect with kids and help kids connect with their music. My daughter has said several times, “I want to stick with Karen as my violin teacher all the way through middle school, high school, and college!” Karen has been a great role model and instructor for my daughter.