Director of Operations
Karen Tennison is originally from Austin, Texas, and grew up with a deep passion for music, having started voice and piano lessons at an early age. Throughout her upbringing, she remained a dedicated supporter of the arts, always participating in jazz ensembles and choirs and going to live music performances as often as she could. Karen holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Music, and later earned a Master of Music in Jazz Performance with an emphasis in voice, merging her academic and creative pursuits.
In 2017, Karen moved to New York City and began a successful music and teaching career, working with students aged 3 to 40. A firm believer in laying a strong musical foundation, Karen prioritizes teaching music theory and piano before introducing voice lessons. Her teaching philosophy centers on building confidence in performers, understanding that a confident musician can achieve far more in both skill and stage presence. This approach has allowed her to inspire and motivate students across various age groups and musical genres.
Beyond teaching, Karen is also an entrepreneur, having founded a music booking company and engaging in other arts-based business ventures. These experiences have equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of the arts industry, from education to performance opportunities.
As the new Director of Operations, Karen is thrilled to bring her passion for equitable, conservatory-level music education to the Bronx community. She is committed to continuing an inclusive environment where students of all backgrounds can experience the transformative power of music and develop their talents to the fullest.
Contact: karen.tennison@bronxconservatory.org