I started piano lessons at age 7 with my mother using John Thompson’s course, just like everyone else in the 60’s and 70’s! Practice was non-negotiable. At age 11, I wanted to quit and do something “cool” like ice skating or gymnastics. My parents wisely sent me to an amazing teacher, Dr. Olga Llano Kuehl-White. I studied with her for the next 40 years and she became more than just a coach. She is a mentor and cherished friend. At 93 she is not teaching now, and I miss her wisdom. In junior high and high school, she brought out my competitive side, and stretched me beyond my belief in myself. Her enthusiasm, honesty and wit changed my life. It is because of her and the power God that I have this vision and passion to share Music with Meaning. The difference between me and many others who started with John Thompson is that I grew to love classical piano music and never stopped practicing. Not because it was required but because I love making music, touching people with its emotion and power.
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The Van Cliburn International Competition for Outstanding Amateurs, 2002. Winner of the Forum Prize for excellent musicianship, imaginative programming and repertoire and commendable humanitarian ideals in music, Press: Dallas Morning News, Scott Cantrell – Classical Music Critic
The Paris International Piano Competition (Concours des Grands Amateurs de Piano), semi-finalist, 2006, 2007. Press: https://www.crescendo.org/download/3ybzVpqejvs/SKM_C30821071412190.pdf , Page 22.
Solo performances and inspirational speaking throughout the United States including New York City, Jekyll Island GA, Fort Worth TX and Orlando, FL.
Performances throughout Europe with messages in English, Italian and German including Paris, Zurich, Madrid, Florence, Salzburg, Berlin, Worms, Malmö, and Luxembourg City.
For references please contact me at Karen@musicwithmeaning.org.
