BartmanMusic
ABOUT KAREN
Dr. Karen Bartman has built a distinguished career as a pianist, organist, teacher, and clinician, recognized for her artistry, scholarship, and enduring commitment to the musical traditions she serves.
Her early professional years were spent in her home state of Missouri, where she owned and operated an independent piano studio. She was the organist at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Columbia, MO before relocating to Jefferson City, MO where she served 25 years as organist/music director at First Christian Church. Upon relocating to the Washington, DC area. Dr. Bartman became Minister of Music for The Interfaith Chapel of Leisure World, a position she held with for fifteen years. While there she served as organist/pianist, directed four choirs as well as organizing a yearly concert series. Her tenure at IFC was marked by a commitment to providing worship music that complimented the spoken word and a sensitivity to working with older adults. Since leaving the Chapel, Dr. Bartman has continued to serve as a substitute organist for churches throughout the DMV area. She is a member of American Guild of Organist (AGO) and Potomac Chapter of AGO.
Dr. Bartman is recognized as an experienced Suzuki piano teacher, clinician, and mentor to younger teachers. She is a certified Teacher Trainer for the Suzuki Association of the Americas. Her pedagogical influence extends across the region through workshops and teacher training.
She became a faculty member at Levine Music in Washington, DC in 1997 and still maintains professional contact with that school. Her students range from young beginners to adults in their nineties, all benefiting from her thoughtful instruction, deep musical knowledge and years of experience.
She is a long-time Nationally Certified Member (NCTM) of Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) and Washington Area Music Teachers, as well as a past-president of Missouri Music Teachers Association (MMTA).
Equally accomplished on both organ and piano, Dr. Bartman maintains an active career as accompanist, chamber musician, and collaborative artist. Her work reflects a lifelong dedication to classical music, its traditions, and its capacity to enrich the lives of those who encounter it.
Her academic degrees are from the University of Missouri: Bachelor of Music in piano performance, Master of Arts in music history, and PhD in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis on early childhood development.
Dr. Bartman continues to teach privately. If interested, please complete the application.
ADULT STUDENT FORM
"There is nothing more notable in Socrates than that he found time, when he was an old man, to learn music and dancing, and thought it time well spent." Michel de Montaigne (The Complete Essays)
Learning something new at any age is good for the mind, body and soul!