Faculty

Violinist Karen Hoatson teaches and performs in the Coeur d’Alene/Spokane area as a member of Lake City Strings and concertmaster with Chorale Coeur d’Alene. She performed with the Coeur d’Alene Symphony as the principal second violinist from 2010-2018 and in 2013, was the featured soloist performing the Brahms Violin Concerto. Volunteering with the North Idaho Youth Symphony and teaching a large studio of young violinists and violist keeps Dr. Hoatson busy! Karen lives in Coeur d’Alene with her husband where they are adjusting to life as empty nesters with the help of snuggly-dog, Bailey.

Earning her doctorate degree in violin performance from the UCLA, masters from New England Conservatory, and undergraduate degree from Oberlin Conservatory, Karen had the opportunity of studying with James Buswell and Greg Fulkerson, as well as with violinists such as Michael Gattozzi, Betty Newell, Mary Daniels, William Starr, Kathleen Winkler, and Mark Kaplan. Teaching and mentoring young people continue to be one of Dr. Hoatson’s passions. She has completed extensive training in the Suzuki method, and grew up as a “Suzuki kid”. During her years in Southern California (1992-2009), Karen was the director of a string program in Loma Linda which included leading a young string orchestra, Loma Linda Academy Consort, on two international tours across Europe and Russia as well as numerous tours throughout the United States. She also was the associate concertmaster of the Redlands Symphony and free-lanced throughout Southern California with numerous orchestras and chamber ensembles. Karen also performed for ten years with the Taylor String Quartet in residence at La Sierra University in Riverside, California.