Karen Whipple Schnurr has been teaching voice for over 20 years and performing professionally for over 25. She enjoys helping her students find their own individual voice through the application of a solid vocal foundation. She earned her bachelors of music with a vocal performance concentration from Palm Beach Atlantic College in West Palm Beach, FL. Karen works with her students (of all ages and levels) on strengthening their natural “instrument” and stretching its range - both musically and emotionally. Her experience as an LA actor also has helped her work with her students on sympathetically connecting with their songs as well. She likes to prepare her students for anything they might encounter as a working singer: developing versatility in musical style; taking away the fear of sight-reading;  and most important, maintaining a healthy voice. One of the most valuable traits Karen brings to her lessons is her many years of experience as a professional singer in Los Angeles. She sings in a variety of different arenas, which helps her to stay versatile and also keeps her informed of current musical trends. She sang with the Los Angeles Master Chorale for over 10 years, which performed regularly at Disney Hall. She sings classical as well as jazz and pop, having performed with LA’s vocal jazz group, Sixth Wave and has also sung with the famed a cappella vocal group, Voices of Liberty, both at Epcot in Orlando, FL, and Disneyland in Southern CA. Performing both solo and ensemble work has strengthened her passion for making music both individually and as part of a whole, which she feels is a great skill to possess in seeking success in the music business. Karen has worked extensively as a session singer; you can hear her on such films as Star Trek and Despicable Me 3, such TV shows as Medium and Family Guy. You also may have heard her on a few national spots, namely, Microsoft, Suave, and Subway.  

 

As a result of all she has learned through her own education and personal vocal development, as well as her experience as a professional singer, lessons with Karenoffer a healthy, practical, and well-rounded technique. Healthy in that it involves a very natural placement of the voice. Practical in that it allows you to take risks and try different styles. Well-rounded in that it prepares you for a variety of musical opportunities.