Background
DMus, Northwestern University
Karen Kan-Walsh '95 DMus is the Coordinator of Keyboard Skills and Non-Major Piano in the Bienen School of Music as well as an instructor at the Northwestern Music Academy. Kan-Walsh graduated with the Bachelor of Music with high distinction in Piano Performance and the Master of Music in Piano Performance from the University of Michigan School of Music, Theater and Dance, followed by the doctorate in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from Northwestern’s Bienen School. As a pre-college student, Kan-Walsh studied piano with her mother, Juliana Kan, for 10 years, followed by university work with Charles Fisher, Eugene Bossart, Theodore Lettvin, Joseph Gurt, and Laurence Davis. She completed pedagogy studies with Frances Larimer and Marcia Bosits. Kan-Walsh has particular interest in piano technique and the music of J.S. Bach, Mozart, Chopin, Brahms, as well as numerous 20th- and 21st-century composers. 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 Annie Hsiao and Julian Kwok. Kan-Walsh is an active member of the Illinois State Music Teachers Association, presenting on Keyboard Skills and group piano topics. Recent presentations include “Deeper Musical Experiences in Keyboard Skills” and “Collaborative Challenges in Ravel’s La Valse for Two Pianos.” A member of Pi Kappa Lambda, Kan-Walsh was recognized by Northwestern University’s Associated Student Government for excellence in teaching.