MY JOURNEY TO MENTORSHIP
My years of study have blessed my life beyond belief with great teachers, coaches and mentors. They have given me an immeasurable amount of knowledge of the classical vocal arts which has not only allowed me to grow as an artist, but more importantly as a human being armed with a deep understanding of my craft. Throughout my career, I have encountered many wonderfully gifted young singers who have encouraged me to combine my abilities with the confidence to pay it forward through teaching. It has been an immense pleasure and honor to mentor many talented artists and pass my knowledge on to the next generation of singers through the masterclass experience.
Karen gives a guest artist masterclass at Oberlin Conservatory where she works with students on vocal technique and stage craft.
Michelle Ellison, soprano singing "Porgi Amor" from Le Nozze di Figaro by W.A. Mozart
These young singers have touched my life more than they know and beyond my wildest dreams. Some have become my 'babies' of sorts allowing me to share my musical thoughts, give them sound advice straight up, with no sugar coating (but always lots of love), and push them to be better than they were when they walked into the room. It has been such a gift from above to join them in this crazy journey of becoming great artists and see their potential come to fruition. What a joy it is to see their faces light up when they make an unbelievably beautiful open sound or get through a difficult phrase for the first time. I now understand what my teachers over all these years must have felt. It takes an incredible amount of humanity and humility to be a great teacher; a completely open hearted generously supportive spirit who is called a mentor. I believe, just like singing, that this is my calling and I am so grateful to be able to embrace them both.
I would like to thank my own mentors for inspiring me and helping me to become the person I am today - Mikael Eliasen, Sheri Greenawald, Jake Heggie & Evelyn Lear.
If you are interested in working in the studio please email me: KarenSlackSoprano@gmail.com to schedule an appointment.
FULL LIST OF MASTERCLASSES
Arizona State University
Babson College/Cornell One Composer
Bellermine College
Boston Conservatory
Claftin University
Consumes River College
Curtis Institute of Music
Emory Henry College
Huston-Tillotson University
Ithaca College
Jackson State University
Kiri TeKanawa Programme, Auckland, New Zealand
KY Governor's School
Miami University
Minot State University
Oakwood University
Oberlin College-Conservatory
Salisbury University
Smith College
Tennessee State University
TN Governor's School
UNC Charlotte
University of British Columbia
University of Kentucky
University of Louisville
University of Minnesota
University of Missouri-Kansas City
University of Montana
University of Texas-Austin
University of Wisconsin-Madison
USC Thornton School of Music
West Virginia University
Westminster Choir College