Educational Background
Two years modern languages study (Memorial University of Newfoundland), ATCL (Trinity College London), Bachelor of Music, Concert Diploma (McGill University), Premier Prix with Very Great Distinction (Conservatoire de musique et d’art dramatique du Québec).
A winner of the Québec Prix d’Europe, Karen Quinton has done postgraduate work in Austria (Hochschule Mozarteum); in London, England; and at the Tchaikovsky Conservatory, Moscow (with Tatiana Nikolaieva). She has also studied with Lubka Kolessa and was the first Canadian selected for the Canada-USSR Exchange. Karen has performed in many countries, has made frequent radio and television broadcasts, and recorded for Radio Canada International. A member of The Royal Conservatory’s College of Examiners, Karen has been on the faculty since 1988. She currently holds the position of Keyboard Department Chair.
Languages in Addition to English: comfortable in French, good knowledge of German, some Russian.
Minimum Age of Student: 7
Musical Styles: Classical
Professional Designations / Associations
Karen Quinton has twice been chair of the Royal Conservatory keyboard department, and has also served on the Academic Council of the Royal Conservatory, and its Council of Examiners. She is currently a member of the RCM College of Examiners, and on the Faculty Association Executive.
Teaching & Professional Experience:
Her performances have included orchestral concerts, solo recitals in ten countries, chamber music recitals, radio and television broadcasts as both collaborative pianist and soloist, and recording for Radio Canada International. She is also the Director of Music at Bayview United Church, and a sought-after music festival adjudicator. Ms. Quinton began teaching at the Royal Conservatory in 1988 and is a warm, engaging, and insightful teacher. Many of her students have been frequent prizewinners in regional and national competitions and are pursuing careers as professional musicians.