Karla is a self-motivated and proactive music educator with a solid experience in music performance and hands-on experience in developing and implementing music programs. Guiding, developing, and challenging students to achieve their highest levels has been a successful and passionate experience for her. Karla obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Music in 2004 from, with an emphasis on Viola from UMKC. She was a Viola performer with the Conservatory Orchestra, the Chamber Orchestra, Bach Cantatas, and a string quartet. Her viola teachers have been Dr. Steven Kruse, concert virtuosos Paul Coletti and Scott Lee, and composer Robert Hagenbuch. At the Conservatory she pursued the violin and took lessons from Paul Hatton of the Kansas City Symphony.

Karla also received her Music Educators license in Instrumental Music from William Jewell College in 2005. Instrumental Conducting, Secondary Music Methods, Instrumental Techniques, and Educational Psychology were some of the courses that prepared her to become a more knowledgeable teacher. After completing her student teaching at the Liberty Public School District, she pursued her field experience and prepared for her career as an educator at numerous schools ranging from grades 4 - 12 and college students. Currently, Karla plays 4th chair viola with the Kansas City Civic Orchestra and in the past has subbed for the St. Joseph Symphony. She is also the Viola player with Crescendo Trio. They perform 30-35 weddings and corporate events every year. Karla keeps an in-home and downtown studio offering music lessons for children and adults of all ages from beginners to advanced students.

*** Lesson Details ***
The methods I use for teaching primarily depends on the students' style of learning and the level that they are at musically. For beginning students I use a lot of visual and aural techniques and for more advanced students I build on what they already know and challenge them to go further. I am also familiar with the Suzuki method and pop music styles.

*** Studio Equipment ***
- Home studio with keyboard, 1 violin, 1 viola, music stand, music cabinet, seating for parents, wi-fi
- Downtown studio with 1 viola, music stand, seating for parents, and wi-fi

*** Specialties ***
I use the Essential Elements book for beginners so they can learn to read music. I use Suzuki Books for my student's solos. I also use Wolfhart Books to teach technique and Essentials For Strings Scale Book.