Karen Harris grew up in Port Moody, where she started her musical training at age 7. She quickly discovered that music
was "her thing", and was soon involved in everything musical, from school musical productions to the church choir. It was
while a student at College Park Elementary school, as the 'Magic Mirror' in the winter production of 'Snow White and the Seven
Dwarves' , that she knew that she would be a musician when she grew up.
In High School, Karen played a variety of instruments in both the concert and stage bands, ranging from French Horn &
Trombone to Percussion. She was also involved in the school choir and Electronic Music Composition class. In 1991, while in
grade 12 at Port Moody Senior Secondary, Karen began teaching piano under the guidance of her teacher. Upon graduation, Karen
received the Coquitlam Arts Council's scholarship for Music. She went on to study English Literature, Education and Music
Composition at University.
Studying piano through the Royal Conservatory, Karen completed her Grade 10 piano in 1996. During her years as a Conservatory
student, Karen was awarded "First Class Honours with Distinction" in many of her exams, as well as winning the award for highest
mark in Grade 4 Keyboard Harmony in the Coquitlam/Maple Ridge district for 2000. As a student, Karen competed in many festivals,
winning second and first places a number of times.
In 2001, she began doing consulting work for the Hal Leonard Corporation, one of the world's largest music publishers.
Recognized by Hal Leonard for her ability to make piano lessons exciting for young students, she travelled around B.C.
and Alberta presenting workshops for piano teachers. In August 2006, she represented Hal Leonard at the Schmitt Music Expo
in Minneapolis, Minn., where she presented a workshop entitled "Teaching Piano to Very Young Beginners".
Karen has dedicated her career to finding new and innovative ways to make music learning a truly joyful experience for
her students. A single mother of three sons, Karen has both a thorough understanding of children and a great appreciation
for parents. She believes that every student has the ability to learn music, and works hard to make sure all of her students
experience personal success in their music studies.
She presently teaches private and group piano to 35-40 students. Karen is also the music teacher at both Seaview Montessori
Preschool and Glenayre Montessori Daycare. She is an active performer, and plays piano regularly at Good Shepherd Lutheran
Church.
