'Supportive, Nurturing and Fun Music Tutor'
Discipline: Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute
Qualifications: MMus Performance (Saxophone) Royal Conservatoire Scotland. Post Grade Dip Performance (Saxophone), BA Musical studies (Saxophone & flute)
About Karen
Graduating with a Masters degree in saxophone performance she won the Royal Scottish National Orchestra’s Apprenticeship Scheme and the Mary D Adams Prize for Chamber Music. In 2011 Karen was awarded the Creative Scotland Personal Development Award allowing her to study in Europe with soprano saxophonist Christine Rall, of the Rascher Saxophone Quartet. She now enjoys a varied career of instrumental teaching, coaching and performing chamber and orchestral music. Highlights include performing with the orchestra of Scottish Opera, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.
Karen has performed for many dignitaries including Prince Andrew, Prince Charles and Lady Camilla Parker Bowles and one of the world's most famous enthusiast of the saxophone, former US President Bill Clinton. Her varied career has also seen Karen performing with rap musicians and Turner Prize winner Charlotte Prodger for her saf05 film. Karen is the soprano saxophonist in the award winning saxophone quartet Sax Ecosse. Recipients of the Enterprise Music Scotland Residency Project 2008 and are alumni of the prestigious Live Music Now scheme.
Sax Ecosse have enjoyed great success as a chamber group performing live on BBC Radio Scotland Classics unwrapped, in Europe and the UK including The Edinburgh International Festival, returning artists at The Emerging Artist Series- The Usher Hall, Celtic Connections, the 16th World Saxophone Congress, St Andrew's and 14th World Saxophone Congress, Slovenia, Norway’s St Olav’s Festival. She also performs around Scotland with her saxophone and harp duo Baba Yaga, performing their own transcription and arrangement of Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition for saxophone and harp.
Karen loves teaching all ages, from beginners to advanced, in formal education settings and those looking to play for fun and their own personal development. Lessons are tailored around the individual. She is experienced in preparing students for ABRSM and Trinity grade examinations whilst maintaining a supportive, nurturing and fun environment for the student, allowing them to fulfil their fullest potential.
Videos of Karen
Reviews of Karen
Abbey is always so joyful when she finishes a lesson. Yesterday she told me she had a wonderful lesson. When I asked why, she replied, "because I have a GREAT clarinet teacher!" She also has a really good attitude about practice because she has such good feelings about the learning process with you.
Why not arrange a taster lesson?
We want new pupils to feel happy with their choice to take lesson with us.
Taster lessons are free and last 20 minutes to allow prospective pupils to meet a teacher, ask questions, discuss music books and get used to the online format. If you wish to continue introductory packages start at £40.50 for 3 x 30 minute lessons. Click below to leave your details and we'll be in touch.