One of my favorite aspects of being a musician is sharing my love, joy, and knowledge of music with humans of all ages. I have 25+ years of experience teaching both privately and in the college classroom I specialize in teaching guitar, piano, composition, and music theory lessons in my home studio in Covington, Louisiana and online.
Background
I have been involved with music since I was a child, studying piano first before transitioning to electric and classical guitar as a teenager. In college, I realized that the creative aspects of music such as composition and the nuts and bolts behind music (music theory) were endlessly fascinating. I earned my undergraduate degree at UMKC (B.M. ‘98), and completed graduate work at the University of Texas at Austin (M.M. ‘02) and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (D.M.A. ‘09). I currently teach composition and theory at the University of New Orleans and am the artistic director of Versipel New Music, an organization dedicated to presenting the music of contemporary composers, now in its eleventh season in New Orleans, Louisiana.
About my Studio
As a music teacher, I believe strongly in helping students grow into well-rounded musicians by building strong fundamentals in technique and theory and by sparking creativity through composition and improvisation. As a part of my studio, confidence is gained through biannual recitals and other more casual performance opportunities. For high school and college students interested in becoming music majors, I offer theory tutoring and can assist in preparing for college entrance exams.
I have 25+ years of experience teaching both privately and in the college classroom where I have taught courses such as music theory, ear-training, composition, and electronic music. The instruments I teach include guitar (classical, acoustic, and electric), piano, and ukulele.
“Kari has been a blessing for our family. Our daughter has learned so much in the short year and a half she has taken piano lessons. Kari is easy to work with for scheduling and make-up lessons, and it has been a joy to watch our daughter grow musically. We don’t know what we would do without Kari and can’t thank her enough!”
PARENT OF E (15), PIANO STUDENT FOR 1.5 YEARS
“My daughter has really grown in the last three years musically. She was very timid when beginning which is to be expected, but she truly blossomed with your guidance. She went from a young girl hesitant to play violin with a group at the Farmer’s Market to playing and singing on stage this summer at the Louisiana State Bar Association convention before her grandfather’s presentation. I am so impressed with what she has accomplished in such a short time.”
PARENT OF A (14), GUITAR STUDENT FOR 3 YEARS
Where I teach
I teach lessons at my home studio in Covington, Louisiana, a cozy space where we have all the privacy and sound conditions for a focused practice. I have two cats, Carini and Axilla that often pay students a visit during lessons.
Private Lessons
- Piano (beginning-intermediate)
- Guitar (electric, acoustic, classical) (beginning-intermediate)
- Ukulele (beginning-intermediate)
- Music Theory (all levels, all styles)
- Composition (beginning-advanced)
In-person
30, 45, or 60 minute lessons
These lessons happen at my home studio in Covington, LA.
Online
30, 45, or 60 minute lessons
Online lessons, available no matter where you are located.
Want to get started today, or just see how I can help you out?
Dr. Kari's Music Lessons 