Instructor Bio

Karen Pfeifer

Part-Time Instructor in the Department of Performing Arts – Oboe and Music Appreciation

Education

• B.M., The Ohio State University
• M.M., Temple University

About

Karen Barnick Pfeifer is the Oboe Instructor at Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio, where she inspires her students to achieve musical excellence and fosters a lifelong passion for music. Her dedication to music education shines through her personalized approach, nurturing each student's unique potential and guiding them to remarkable achievements.

In 2011, Karen's exceptional contributions to teaching were recognized with the prestigious Columbus Symphony Orchestra Music Educators Award. Her students regularly earn placements in competitive graduate programs and music festivals, and many go on to perform with major symphonies or serve as university faculty.

Karen is an active advocate for the music community. She has presented at the Ohio Music Educators Association Conference, including her engaging session "Lions, Tigers, and Oboes! My!" She organized "Oboe Song," a performance series that highlighted student talents at the Ohio State Fair art gallery. At Ohio Wesleyan University, she frequently performs, leads an annual Oboe Master Class Series, and conducts group reed-making classes to enhance students' skills.

Beyond the university, Karen is a faculty member at Chamber Music Connection and Co-Chair of its Scholarship Committee. She is also a respected adjudicator for the New Albany Concerto Competition, contributing her expertise to fostering young talent.

As a performer, Karen serves as Principal Oboist for the New Albany Symphony Orchestra and Central Ohio Symphony. She has been a featured soloist with these ensembles and previously held the position of Principal Oboist with the Columbus Bach Ensemble and Opera Project Columbus. Her orchestral experience also includes performances with the Columbus Symphony, Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, Mansfield Symphony, Camarata and more.

Karen's educational journey began at The Ohio State University, where she earned dual undergraduate degrees in Music Education and Oboe Performance under the guidance of William P. Baker. She completed her Master of Music in Oboe Performance at Temple University, studying with the renowned English hornist Louis Rosenblatt of the Philadelphia Orchestra.

Karen resides in Dublin, Ohio, with her husband Bob, a clarinetist, and their family, including their beloved fluffy dog. Together, they share a rich musical life and contribute to the vibrancy of the Central Ohio arts community.