With more than 25 years of performing and teaching experience, Karla Smart is a highly qualified professional violinist and music educator. During her eight years in the Skagit Valley, Karla has directed the Fidalgo Youth Symphony Sinfonette, the Mount Baker Youth Symphony Sinfonette, and ensembles at the Skagit Family Learning Center, Silverbeech Elementary School, Greenwood Tree Educational Cooperative, and Immaculate Conception Regional School. Karla teaches violin privately with the Peterson Conservatory of Music and Arts in Mount Vernon and is the Executive Director of Sistema Skagit.
Karla has an extensive background in Suzuki Violin Talent Education, including seven years of long-term teacher training with pedagogues Susan Kempter (University of New Mexico, 2006-2007), Ed Kreitman (Atlanta Suzuki Institute Practicum, 2002), Mark Bjork (University of Minnesota, 2000-2002), and Dr. Louise Scott and Karen Hallberg (Northern Arizona University, 1995-2000). Karla received her bachelor’s degree in violin performance from Northern Arizona University in 2000. She continued graduate performance studies with Mark Bjork (UM) and Carmelo De los Santos (UNM). Karla cut her teeth performing chamber, solo, and symphonic music in the Arizona Opera Company, the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra, the Sante Fe Symphony and the summer programs: Meadowmount, Brevard, and Las Vegas Music Festivals.
Prior to calling the Skagit Valley home, Karla cultivated a thriving private studio in Longmont, Colorado and also enjoyed playing violin with the Boulder Chamber Orchestra. Her students range from young Suzuki violinists to traditional and pre-professional students, as well as beginning and continuing adults. Karla enjoys working with people and earnestly strives to encourage each student to achieve their personal best. Karla also loves dancing, the outdoors, and spending time with her animals, family, and friends.