Meet Karen Hollenback, NCTM
...an ENTHUSIASTIC TEACHER with 25+ years of teaching experience in her private studio in the Fairwood area east of Renton, WA .
Karen teaches piano to students from preschool through adult. She enjoys working with students of all ages and levels. She works to foster an appreciation of music by integrating all areas of musicianship including performance, theory, history, ear-training, and sight-reading. Her students are actively involved in studio events, local and regional music festivals, recitals, and competitions receiving superior ratings and awards. Students also participate in the Royal Conservatory of Music Certificate Program.
....a RECOGNIZED PROFESSIONAL with permanent certification by Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) as a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM) in piano. MTNA’s rigorous certification process assures that the NCTM has undertaken professional preparation, utilizes professional practices in teaching and business management, develops and maintains professional partnerships with fellow teachers, and continues to improve through professional and personal renewal. Karen is also permanently certified through the Washington State Music Teachers Association (WSMTA).
Karen teaches piano to students from preschool through adult. She enjoys working with students of all ages and levels. She works to foster an appreciation of music by integrating all areas of musicianship including performance, theory, history, ear-training, and sight-reading. Her students are actively involved in studio events, local and regional music festivals, recitals, and competitions receiving superior ratings and awards. Students also participate in the Royal Conservatory of Music Certificate Program.
....a RECOGNIZED PROFESSIONAL with permanent certification by Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) as a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM) in piano. MTNA’s rigorous certification process assures that the NCTM has undertaken professional preparation, utilizes professional practices in teaching and business management, develops and maintains professional partnerships with fellow teachers, and continues to improve through professional and personal renewal. Karen is also permanently certified through the Washington State Music Teachers Association (WSMTA).
Rehearsal
...a COLLABORATIVE PIANIST who has coached musicians (both instrumental and vocal) preparing for auditions, festivals, contests, and competitions. Karen enjoys playing on a regular basis with local and student musicians.
...a LIFELONG LEARNER continually refining her musical and teaching skills Karen is currently working on her Associate of The Royal Conservatory (ARCT) in Piano Pedagogy. Karen also holds degrees from Purdue University (BS and MS) and Seattle University (MA). Karen's teachers have included Charlene Ellenberger, who taught the basics; Norma Zollinger, who insisted on scales; Helen Spink, who introduced the music of Beethoven; Hazel Jerome, who shared the music of Chopin; Leola Erftenbeck who provided the inspiration for a lifetime of music; and most recently, Sharon Clark, NCTM who shared a passion for teaching.
...an INVOLVED COLLEAGUE who currently serves in several professional music organizations as a workshop presenter and in leadership positions. She has written for the WSMTA music journal, The Clarion, and has presented workshops at the Washington State Music Teachers Association annual conference as well as at local music teachers associations.
In 2011 she completed a three year term as president for the South King County Music Teachers Association during which time they were awarded the WSMTA Chapter of the Year award.
In March 2015 Karen began a 2 year term on the MTNA National Certification Commission consulting, mentoring, and advising for the national certification program which promotes high standards of music teaching. In June 2015, Karen was elected to a 2 year term as Vice-President for the Washington State Music Teachers Association. She chaired the state level of the MTNA Performance Competition that occurs every November as part of her responsibilities.
In June 2017, Karen began a 2 year term as President-Elect for the Washington State Music Teachers Association. Major leadership responsibilities included coordinating the annual Leadership Seminar for WSMTA Board of Directors, Education Board members, District Directors, Chapter Presidents and all WSMTA Committee and Program chairs.
In June 2019, Karen began a 2 year term as President for the Washington State Music Teachers Association. She worked with a fabulous team of colleagues to continue the mission of WSMTA in spite of changes required due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
In 2023 Karen completed a two year term as Immediate Past President for WSMTA, continuing to provide insight and guidance to WSMTA leadership as we all return to "the new normal."
Currently Karen is continuing her leadership service to WSMTA as a member of the Education Board which oversees policy and procedures for many of the educational programs provided by WSMTA.
SKCMTA Teachers Recital Performance
copyright Hollenback Piano Studio
