Karen Schoenhals
Karen Schoenhals grew up in an environment full of music, belonging to an extended family of pianists, singers, instrumentalists, composers, and dancers. She began studying piano at the age of eight. Schoenhals has studied classical guitar under the direction of world-renown teachers Bruce Holzman, Carlos Molina, Lily Afshar, and Rafael Padron. She earned a Master’s degree in classical guitar performance from Florida International University, and has received a number of awards, including the FAU School of Music Performance Honors Award, and First Prize in the Springfield Classical Guitar Competition in 2009. She has been awarded scholarships from FAU, the Lifelong Learning Society, and 
the Johnson Foundation. Her first CD, “Body of My Guitar,” was released in 2002. In addition to performing live on WXEL radio, Schoenhals has appeared in concerts throughout the United States, including performances with the FAU Wind Symphony Orchestra, the FIU Women’s Choir, and as concerto soloist with the Cadillac Symphony Orchestra.
Schoenhals holds Bachelors degrees from Northwestern University in both Math and Creative Writing. Her poetry has been published in many literary journals, including Rattle, The William and Mary Review, and Louisiana Literature. Karen performs locally and teaches music (Piano & Guitar) lessons to children and adults using creative, fun and unique methods. In addition she is an advocate for children on the spectrum.
