Where’s the jam at? Kara provides in-home lessons in Greater Boston and is JWY’s Director of Enrichment Programming, bringing her teaching and talents to JamBABY, JamKIDS, and JWY Birthday Parties.
Jammin on: Violin, Guitar, Piano
Degrees of jam: By the time she’d learned to crawl up onto the family piano bench, Kara was starting to “plink out” her own tunes on the ivories. Violin lessons began at age 6, which eventually led to two performance scholarships to Illinois State University, where she played in chamber and symphony orchestras throughout her college years. Kara holds a degree in Music Therapy from ISU.
Jam history: Kara toured with Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp Symphony Orchestra internationally in high school, in addition to holding seats with Protege Philharmonic and Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras. As a member of CYSO’s string quartet, she performed at inner-city schools to promote keeping music education in schools. More recent credits include a solo album (The Water’s Edge, 2011) and corresponding tour, multiple live performances with local and national artists (e.g. Rufus Wainwright, Eddie Money) and recording for a National Geographic documentary called After the Spill: The Last Catch. Kara also has theater in her repertoire, having designed sets and props, and as an ensemble cast member of the Illinois Shakespeare Festival Repertory Theatre. Her hobbies include skiing, hiking/backpacking, swimming and obstacle course races.
How will Kara jam with you? With 10+ years teaching music to a wide range of ages in a variety of settings, Kara practices a fun and engaging, student-based and directed (within reason) approach that assesses strengths and growth areas. She works with students to achieve excellence in technique, reading, ear training and overall performance.
