Having first studied violin with John MacDougall, a Cape Breton composer and fiddle instructor, she also studied and performed with Winnie Chafe, renowned Cape Breton violinist, and completed a year of classical training with Peter Dunn of Halifax. For the past nineteen years Karen sponsored and performed at the Tuesday Ceilidhs in Mabou with Joey Beaton, a mentor and expert in Cape Breton traditional music. She also played weekly at Baddeck’s Telegraph House Inn and Dining Room. Karen has four CDs and a video to her credit. Now residing in Antigonish NS, Karen teaches violin which provides full time employment. In the summer months she co sponsors weekly ceilidhs at the Antigonish Heritage Museum.