Background
DMus, Northwestern University
Karen Kan-Walsh '95 DMus is the Coordinator of Keyboard Skills and Non-Major Piano in the Bienen School as well as an instructor at Bienen’s Music Academy. Kan-Walsh graduated with high distinction in Piano Performance from the University of Michigan School of Music. Two years later she received the Master of Music in Piano Performance from the U of M as well and she completed the doctorate in Piano Performance and Pedagogy at the Bienen School. As a pre-college student, Kan-Walsh studied piano with her mother, Juliana Kan, for ten years, followed by Charles Fisher, Eugene Bossart, Eugene Lettvin, Joseph Gurt, and Laurence Davis. Pedagogy studies were with Frances Larimer and Marcia Bosits. Kan-Walsh has a particular interest in piano technique, and the music of J.S. Bach, Mozart, Chopin and Brahms. Kan-Walsh wrote reviews for newly published music for many years for “Clavier” journal. Performances span the Chicago and Ann Arbor areas, St. Petersburg, Russia, and Chengdu, China. Recent performances focus on two-piano literature with her colleague, Annie Hsiao. She is an active member of the Illinois State Music Teachers Association, presenting on Keyboard Skills and group piano topics. Her most recent presentation was titled “Deeper Musical Experiences in Keyboard Skills.” A member of Pi Kappa Lamda, Kan-Walsh was also recognized by Northwestern University’s Associated Student Government for excellence in teaching.