Karen Tadena

Instructor of: Violin

Karen Tadena is a freelance violinist and professional violin instructor.  She is a native of the Pacific Northwest and holds an undergraduate degree from Pacific Lutheran University, which she earned in 1992.  At Pacific Lutheran University, Karen studied violin under the tutelage of Ann Tremaine, a protégé of famed violinist Jascha Heifetz.  Karen has been active in the Pacific Northwest music community for over twenty years.  Currently, she is a member of the award-winning Arcobaleno Strings ensemble.  

Professional Orchestral Experience

2017 – Present: Tacoma City Ballet Orchestra

1994 -- Present: Tacoma Opera Orchestra

2005 – Present: Symphony Tacoma (sub)

1990 -- Present: Federal Way Symphony Orchestra

1998 -- 2016: Rainier Symphony

2001—2008: Evergreen City Ballet Orchestra

1999---2000: Yakima Symphony Orchestra

1986 – 1988: Tacoma Community College Chamber Orchestra, assistant concertmaster
1986 – 1990: Pacific Lutheran University Symphony Orchestra
1983 – 1987: Tacoma Youth Symphony

Teaching Experience

1994 -- Present:  Violin/Viola Instructor
Karen believes that education is not possible without student motivation and passion.  She specializes in individually tailoring her teaching methods to meet the learning style and needs of each student.  Through her years of teaching experience, Karen has realized that a combination of both the Suzuki method and Traditional studies have worked well for students.   She teaches skills such as the importance of proper practice, self-motivation, audition preparation, and the relevance of music theory and history.  Karen teaches all ability levels from beginning to advance, ages 6 to adult.   

2009 – Present:  Tacoma Youth Symphony - Violin Coach for The Evergreen Music Festival each summer at Central Washington U. in Ellensburg, WA.  Acts as both violin coach and camp counselor to high school music students, including coaching the 2nd violin section in the Festival Orchestra as well as student chamber groups. 

2006 -- Present:  Federal Way Public Academy - Director of Music
Karen teaches an after-school music program to students grade 6-10.  Students perform three concerts each year and vary in skill level from beginning to intermediate. 

2009 –2010:  University of Puget Sound - Community Music Violin Instructor

Taught private violin lessons to students from beginning to advanced levels, through the community music department on campus.  

2006 – 2008:  Giaudrone Middle School - Violin and Viola Sectional Coach
Mrs. Tadena assisted orchestra director Barney Blough prepare the string quartets and student soloists for solo/ensemble contest in which they received superior ratings.  

Merits

1986: Pierce County District Solo and Ensemble Competition, selected as 1st alternate to state, violin
1984 & 1986: Washington All-State Orchestra, first violin section
1984- 1986: Gov. John R. Rogers High School Orchestra, concertmaster and winner of  Most Inspirational Award