Praised by the San Francisco Classical Voice for her “wizardry with voices” and named by the Honolulu Star Bulletin as “ . . . a popular and charismatic leader,” Karen Kennedy currently holds the position of Director of Choirs at Towson University. Before joining the faculty at Towson, she held the positions of Director of Choral Activities at the University of Hawai`i at Manoa, Artistic Director for the Hawaii International Choral Festival , and Director of the Honolulu Symphony Chorus. While with the Honolulu Symphony, Dr. Kennedy regularly conducted the orchestra and chorus, most recently in performances of Orff's Carmina Burana, Durufle’s Requiem, Mozart’s Great Mass in C Minor, Mozart’s Requiem, and Rutter’s Gloria.

In addition to regular podium performances Dr. Kennedy enjoys the opportunity to present workshops on choral repertoire, conducting, choral pedagogy and vocal pedagogy. Her workshops have been a part of recent ACDA and MENC state conventions, most recently in Oregon and Hawaii. She has also served as a conducting clinician for participants in the nationally renowned program “Creating Artistry” with director Henry Leck.

Dr. Kennedy has received numerous awards for teaching, including the University of Hawaii Chancellor’s Citation for Meritorious Teaching, Arizona State University’s Manzanita “Top Prof” Award, Butler University’s Faculty Distinction Award, and is a two-time recipient of the Lawrence Township Schools Superintendent’s Award.

Office: CA 2099
Phone: 410-704-2825
email: kkennedy@towson.edu