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Performing Experience

  • 2019 to Current: Performances for Independent, Assisted Living and Memory Care Senior Communities around the Portland area.

  • 1990s to Current: Solo/Small Group Performances: Boston Museum of Fine Arts Ladies Teas, Weddings, Banquets, Religious services, Tango and English Country Dances, Farmer’s Markets, Community/Civic orchestras

  • Four orchestral concertos as soloist: Vivaldi (2), Bach Brandenburg and Mozart Flute Concertos

  • Classical groups: SW Washington Symphony, Pacific Crest Wind Ensemble, Pacific Crest Chamber Orchestra, Boston Chamber Ensemble, Harvard Musical Assn Reading Orchestra, Multiple Recitals (Boston, Portland)

  • Singing - a few Jazz Open Mikes in Seattle

classical Beginnings/education

I currently take Tango Flute Lessons with Paulina Fain from Buenos Aires (Zoom) and attended a Tango for Musicians Workshop @ Reed College (PDX). I’m a classically trained flutist (Boston: Marianne Gedigian, Ellie Preble, Vytas Baksys) who fell in love with World Music. I’ve attended multiple flute Masterclasses and studied Alexander & Feldenkrais Techniques. I’ve also played in Thara Memory’s Jazz/Classical Orchestra class (PDX) - including performance of 2 Vivaldi Concertos and 1 Bach Brandenberg Concerto; studied with Fred Hoadley (Seattle Salsa Band), Dina Blade/Hans Brehmer (Seattle Singing - American Standards) and have attended one Brazilian Choro workshop (Pt. Townsend, WA).

Social Dancing - My introduction to World/Popular Music

Amateur social dancing provided my introduction to World/Popular Music: Swing, Salsa, Argentine Tango and Folk music. At my first Swing dance in Boston in 1996, the band played the Duke Ellington/Billy Strayhorn tune “Take the A Train”….I was hooked! I currently dance Argentine Tango.

South American Teachers - Taking it to another level

Inspired by South American teachers, I’m learning how to REALLY get to know a piece of music inside-out: original melody, structure, chords, tempo, words (if exist), accompanying dance, existing artist interpretations, etc… It is a lifelong labor of love! And…oh South American music - hooked even more!

TEAching

If you want to learn about:

1) Knowing a piece of music cold

2) Playing songs in different keys

3) World Music

4) Resources out there: Backing Tracks, Transcription, Arranging (and how to use Musescore), setting up for gigs (speakers, ipad, etc)

Then Contact Me! To learn more about Lessons - click Here. If you have additional questions, please feel free to send an email to KarenFluteSongs@gmail.com.