Difference between revisions of "Karen Burke"

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Who is Karen Burke ?

Born in Brantford, Ontario, Karen Burke entered McMaster University’s Honours music programme in 1979,where she developed an interest in choral conducting. During her time there, Karen received the Louise E. Bettger Scholarship recognizing excellence in choral work; the Humanities Medal for Special Achievement, and the Hamilton Alumnae Branch Award for outstanding graduating female student upon completion of her Bachelor of Music Degree in 1983. Karen also received the A.R.C.T. Diploma in Piano Teaching from the Royal Conservatory of Music in 1985.

Upon graduation from McMaster, Karen accepted a position as a church music director. She and her husband Oswald Burke co-founded Micah Communications Inc., a Gospel music production and publishing company, and established Burke Studios, a private piano teaching studio.

In 1988, Karen co-founded the Toronto Mass Choir’s diversified group of singers and musicians and continues to serve as its Director. She runs the choir with her husband, who is Executive Producer, and Assistant Director, Elvis Boddie. Along with her devoted choral staff, Karen develops the choir’s touring schedules and choral arrangements. Since its inception, she has also written many original songs for the choir’s recordings.

“It has been very important for us to showcase Canadian gospel songwriters and provide an environment for music to be created and recorded,” Karen said of the choir’s latest CD, The Live Experience.

In 2005, Burke became an Assistant Professor in the music department at York University and leads their newly-established Gospel Choir. Her career includes a past position as the Music Director at Toronto District Christian High School. Through Burke Studios she teaches piano privately and is a member of the internationally recognized VoiceCare Network.

Her music career also includes work as a busy guest clinician, adjudicator and speaker offering gospel music workshops, and speaking engagements in Canada and abroad. Her appearances have included the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, the Metropolitan Separate School Board and the Ontario Mennonite Music Camp. Karen is often asked to conduct workshops and is interested in doing more of this type of work. Her touring schedule with the Toronto Mass Choir also keeps her busy.

Burke is also a graduate of the Royal Conservatory of Music.

Source: http://www.tmc.ca/director.html

Karen is the wife of Oswald Burke.