A versatile musician, Karen is a singer/songwriter, pianist, violinist, producer, as well as a composer of music in film/TV genres, and commercial jingles. She has composed orchestral scores, written and co-produced all songs on her EP released in 2010, (“Be With You”), has an accomplished background in classical music on both piano and violin and her songwriting ability covers a variety of genres from Pop/R&B to Pop/Country.
Karen was adopted by two loving parents who provided her the op...
A versatile musician, Karen is a singer/songwriter, pianist, violinist, producer, as well as a composer of music in film/TV genres, and commercial jingles. She has composed orchestral scores, written and co-produced all songs on her EP released in 2010, (“Be With You”), has an accomplished background in classical music on both piano and violin and her songwriting ability covers a variety of genres from Pop/R&B to Pop/Country.
Karen was adopted by two loving parents who provided her the opportunity of music education just a few years into her life. Karen began her musical studies wth Jane Sugars at the Houston Music Institute with piano lessons at age 3 and violin at age 6 in Houston, Texas where she was born and raised. With a foundation in classical music, her training included music theory, ear training, and the Suzuki Method. At age of 4, Sugars discovered her ability to play by ear and also demonstrate perfect pitch. The world first got a taste of Karen’s natural talent and potential at age 4 when she was featured in the Houston Chronicle and on local television stations for her early accomplishments on the piano.
By the age of 14, Karen received the Paderewski Medal from the National Guild of Piano Teachers for successfully completing ten years of ten-piece programs. She wrote her first piece for piano at 12, began writing lyrical songs at 14, and composed her first piece in the film music genre for orchestra and piano at 17. Aside from her performance and composition skills, Karen has also successfully passed both the Trinity College London music theory exams and Houston Music Teachers Association theory exams throughout her piano training. During her senior year of high school, Karen submitted her original piece for orchestra and piano titled "Serenity" to a school district composition contest as well as the Houston Music Institute composition contest. The piece won first place for both and was premiered at the Don Coleman Coliseum by four orchestras and a pianist. All the while, Karen studied violin with Henry Rubin in Houston, Texas. She was a violinist in the Houston Youth Symphony as well as Greater Houston Youth Orchestra from elementary throughout high school. In addition, in all four years of high school, Karen was accepted into and performed with the Texas All-State Orchestra as a violinist in San Antonio, Texas.
Although Karen’s background highlights her success on piano and violin, her favorite instrument is and has always been the voice. Singing throughout her youth in church and school choirs, her passion for the voice ultimately led to her determination for success. A strong believer that constant hard work is key in order to keep growing, Karen continues to develop her voice under the Speech-Level Singing method created by Seth Riggs. Despite her petite figure, an unexpected powerful, soulful voice draws in live audiences throughout venues in Texas. Her set lists include original songs as well familiar hits. She has also done writing for other artists, as well as having sung on commercial advertisements.
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