Meet the Instructor

Karla Lee’s Biography

I was born in the mountains of Missoula and raised among the wheat fields of Montana in the culturally progressive city of Great Falls. At age 4, I “disappeared” from an outdoor band concert only to be found sitting in the front row, enthralled by the music and the instruments. At age 6, I began piano lessons but was “released” because I talked too much. I returned to piano at age 8, added the flute at age 9, and at age 11, my grandmother suggested I should also play the oboe. However, because I was tall, my band director suggested I play the bassoon instead (I had no idea what a bassoon was). Before I knew it, I was playing 3 instruments and my lifelong love affair with music had begun.

Throughout elementary, middle and high school I played and sang in every concert-marching-pep band, orchestra, choir and small ensemble possible so it’s not surprising that I majored in music in college and then earned a Master of Music degree from Northwestern University in Chicago. I am currently the principal bassoonist in the West Hartford Symphony Orchestra, I teach a music studio of about 2 dozen flute, piano, and bassoon students, and I am a full time phlebotomist for Quest Diagnostics. When I am not practicing, performing, teaching, or drawing blood, I love to sew, scrapbook, walk my dog, and take the occasional yoga class. My three young adult children still keep me busy even though, sadly, none have chosen to pursue musical careers. I visit my home state of Montana as often as possible and always feel so grateful for the supportive musical atmosphere in which I was raised.

I firmly believe that every student brings something special to the musical table. Some students naturally have great rhythm, some have flying fingers, some are innately expressive. It is my challenge and delight as a teacher to discover those strengths and support them with a good solid musical foundation. I really want kids to grow up remembering that they enjoyed their music lessons and I want adult students to rediscover what they may have missed as kids. Thank you for the opportunity to awaken the inner musician in you and/or your child!

Karla Lee's Resume

EDUCATION:

Graduate School: NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY Evanston,IL

Graduation: June 1983

Degree: Master of Music (Bassoon)

College: UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA (1976-1979) Missoula, MT

UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON (1979-1980) Cheney, WA

Graduation: June 1980

Degree: Bachelor of Music

High School: GREAT FALLS HIGH SCHOOL 1976 Great Falls, MT

PRIVATE STUDY:

2019 Brooke Allen, Rhode Island Philharmonic

1999-2001 Jon McGowan, Boston Philharmonic

1988-1991 David Breidenthal, Los Angeles Philharmonic

1987-1988 Jim Berkenstock, Chicago Lyric Opera

1983-1987 Norbert Nielubowski, Minneapolis Symphony

1982-1983 Willard Elliot, Chicago Symphony

1980-1982 David Breidenthal & Fred Dutton, Los Angeles Philharmonic

1979-1980 Wendel Jones, Spokane Symphony

TEACHING EXPERIENCE:

2021 ` Music Instructor New Old School of Music W. Hartford, CT

2013-2020 Music Instructor Music & Arts W. Hartford, CT

2000-Present Private Studio Music Instructor Bristol, CT

Piano, bassoon, flute

2007-2008 Minister of Music, St. Andrew Church Bristol, CT

Direct Handbell Choir, Children’s Choir etc.

1985-1988 Bassoon Instructor Concordia College River Forest, IL

Summer 1979 Jones Double Reed Company Cheney, WA

Reed craftsman for production of commercial bassoon reeds

PERFORMANCE EXPERIENCE:

2021-present Resonant Winds Woodwind Quintet Connecticut

2019-present Sub-list for Connecticut Valley Symphony Orchestra

2012-present Principal Bassoon West Hartford Symphony

2016 Hartford Fine Arts Magnet School Pit Orchestra

2007 Rocky Hill Theatre Company Pit Orchestra

1993-2001 Bristol Symphony

1993-2001 Sub-list for Farmington Valley Chamber Orchestra

1999-2012 Beth El Temple Orchestra

1993-1995 Manchester Symphony

1993-1995 Torrington Symphony

1993-2016 Trinity Covenant Christmas Pageant Orchestra

1992-1993 Crystal Cathedral Orchestra California

1992 CD Soundtrack for Medieval Times Restaurant

1989 Topanga Philharmonic & Orange County Orchestras

1989-1993 Cypress Pops Orchestra

1988 Orchestra of Illinois Illinois

1987-1988 National Arts Chamber Orchestra

1986 -1988 Chicago Civic Orchestra

1986-1988 Gilbert & Sullivan Society Pit Orchestra

1985-1988 Chicago Baroque Ensemble

1985-1988 Concordia College Chamber Winds

1984-1988 Oak Park/River Forest Symphony

1982-1983 Northwestern University Symphony & Chamber Orchestras

1979 Connoisseur Concerts Washington

1976-1979 University of Montana Wind Ensemble, WW Quintet, Montana

Chamber Orchestra, Missoula Civic Symphony

REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST