Whether performing a wedding processional, entertainment for a party, or chamber music for a private reception, Kaaren thrives on making music for others. She's done everything from solo concerts to wedding ceremonies and receptions to chamber work to accompanying adult choirs and children's choruses to providing dinner music to playing in a college football half-time band. The element Kaaren values and enjoys most in each of these venues is communication: the experience of engaging other people on a universally shared yet truly personal plane in a dynamic and organic setting. While hers are the fingers and mind producing the music, each person who hears that music shares in the heart of it, interacting with the music with their own emotions, intellect, and background. It is Kaaren's great privilege to give a form and expression to the experience of an entire audience - however large or small that audience might be. Music is in itself a powerful channel, often giving voice to years of emotion, thought, and realization within a few moments. The opportunity to provide that channel, in the largest or the smallest contexts, humbles and invigorates her.
After graduating from Furman University with a Bachelor's degree in Piano Performance earned under Dr. David Gross, Kaaren (Younts) Miller continued studying at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC, to earn a Masters degree in Performance under Dr. Joseph Rackers. During these years, Kaaren spent two summers studying under Dr. Douglas Weeks at the Brevard Music Festival in Brevard, NC. She has also studied in lessons and masterclasses with artists such as Dr. Richard Cass, Marina Kolomiitseva, Dr. Marina Lomazov, Benedetto Lupo, and Sheila Paige.
Classically trained, Kaaren enjoys playing the beautiful classics of Bach, Brahms, Chopin, Handel, Mozart - the list could go on and on. However, Kaaren has also developed a fluid, improvisatory style that gives a signature mark to her performances. In addition, popular styles of the last several decades pack a critical punch for many fun, upbeat events - (oh, and did we forget to mention? That includes singing - Kaaren loves to sing and play!) And, of course, there is always that one number that we just haven't put on the song list yet - and that you bring to the table. Always seeking to fill out her repertoire, Kaaren is ready to take and prepare your special requests. As they say - let's get the party started!
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