Karin R Banks Music Studio
About
Karin R Banks earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music from the University of North Texas and her Master of Music Degree in Piano Pedagogy from Georgia State University.
As a teacher, Karin taught piano and voice for seven years at the former Neighborhood Music Schools of Georgia State University where she served as the director of the Metro Atlanta Boys and Girls Club Youth Chorus in collaborative with Neighborhood Music Schools and the Metro -Atlanta Youth Arts Connection. She directed and accompanied the youth choral ensemble for the Neighborhood Music School’s and the 2004 production of From Africa to the A-Train, with Moving in the Spirit Dance Company (featuring her arrangement of Wade in the Water) and the 2005 production of Story Catcher. Karin taught group piano at the college graduate level. She teaches piano in the private studio of Shirley Irek and in the afterschool program at Cliff Valley School. A gifted teacher, Karin’s students have performed in festivals and competitions and individual performances. Her students have received scholarships for music study from the Hank Aaron Foundation and have attended prestigious camps such as Interlochen Summer Music Festival. Many have continued to pursue music either as an avocation or as a college study, being accepted to schools such as Indiana University.
As an artist, Karin founded Fusion Chamber Ensemble which features a blend of jazz, classical and other arts discipline such as spoken word and dance. She has collaborated on numerous projects with Atlanta area artists and arts organizations such as Ballethnic Dance Company where she served as music consultant and performer for the Company’s production of Flying West, (2011 & 2015) a ballet adaptation of the Pearl Cleage play. This collaboration featured one of her original compositions and further sparked her love of composing and collaboration. For two and a half years she served as the Music Director of the Absalom Jones Student Center of Atlanta University System. Other collaborative projects include composing for local playwright Bradley Candie and arranging music for special projects in collaboration with Christopher Mosley of MPA Productions. Karin has composed music for all Fusion Chamber Ensemble concerts.
I enjoy seeing the light bulb go on in the students mind. Especially when they didn't believe they couldn't do it and then discovered that they could!
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I start first by finding out what their goals are and then tailoring the curriculum to achieve that. At the same time I make sure that fundamental concepts of theory and technique are incorporated into lessons since those concepts apply to any style/genre of music.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I charge tuition for the year based on half hour, 45 minutes or one hour lessons. Installments of 10, 4, or 2 are offered.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Students need to be realistic about the time they are willing to commit to practicing. This is an investment and requires time.