Professor Dr. Karen Brunssen

Biography

Karen Brunssen is a Professor at Northwestern University's Bienen School of Music. A mezzo-soprano with a career spanning over 30 years, she has performed with various symphony orchestras such as the Chicago Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, and the Houston Orchestra. Additionally, she has presented at numerous prestigious events, including the NATS National Conference and the International Congress of Voice Teachers in Stockholm. Brunssen's significant contributions to voice pedagogy have led her to serve as the Immediate Past-President of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS). Her publications, including 'Evolving Singing Voice: Changes Across the Lifespan', delve into vocal development and realistic expectations throughout a singer's life. She has played a pivotal role in nurturing new talent, with many of her students achieving success in prominent competitions and performances across the United States and Europe, including Met Opera and Houston Grand Opera. Brunssen frequently engages as a clinician and master teacher in various international workshops and festivals, enhancing vocal education worldwide.

Research Interests