The Musical Bio
Kara comes from a family
of classical musicians. Her Mother, Aunt, and Uncle are graduates of the internationally renowned Peabody Conservatory
(where her Grandmother had studied piano). All have pursued professional music careers in symphony work, performances
and teaching.
Kara, her siblings and many cousins received classical
training from an early age. She played piano, violin and cello all before the age of 14, sang in choirs and had private singing
lessons. The circle of friends of the family included brilliant and learned
musicians, both performing and academic. The talk was musically literate and critically refined. This is the environment
she was raised in, and while she did not realize it at the time, this formed a marvelous springboard for artistic endeavors.
During school she focused her attention on acting.
Her extensive work on stage refined with training at The Shakespeare Theatre in Washington D.C. Throughout, music has
augmented her work on stage and in nightclubs.
Drawing upon this wealth of musical background,
technique and training in the arts, Kara taught herself to play the lap harp as an adult, then quickly transitioned to the
Pedal Harp (studying technique with Dr. Alison Bjorkedal). Harp is the instrument she had always wanted to play,
and now she feels it is her instrumental soulmate. At about the same time, Kara picked up the Cello again, quickly regained
her former level, and reawakened that old friendship. She continues her growth with master classes from
other professional Harpists and Cellists. Both Harp and Cello give voice to her interest in historical performance.
TRAINING
Voice - Virginia Kent and Jon Crane
Cello - Dr. Keith Fleming (deceased) of Nat'l Symphony Orchestra
Harp - Dr. Alison Bjorkedahl (on going) USC graduate, professional harpist