Karen Svanoe Westgate

 

Born and raised in Fremont, Ohio, Karen Svanoe Westgate began her musical studies at the age of seven on the piano. Her mother’s dream was for her to play the harp, so at the age of thirteen a used harp was purchased for her along with weekly treks to Swanton, Ohio  to study with Lillis Carson.

 

As there were no harp teachers at her college, Karen graduated with a degree in sociology from Biola University, La Mirada, California and became a social worker.

 

Her love for the harp resurfaced again as an adult, and Karen began studying with Alice Chalifoux and Laura Erb in the Cleveland area. A summer was spent in Camden, Maine at the renowned Salzado Harp Colony for concentrated lessons. Later she returned to college at The University of Akron to study music.  She has also furthered her education at the University of Oslo, Norway, Bowling Green State University, and Lorain Community College.

 

Karen has produced seven harp recordings which are distributed internationally through her company, Harpgate Music Productions. Her distributing enterprise has grown to include recordings by other instrumental music artists along with gift items. She has recently signed a contract with New Day Christian Distributors, Inc., Henderson, Tennessee and is under contract with several catalogues to sell her recordings.

Karen has performed throughout the country and has been a keynote speaker for many Christian conferences. Her music is on the play list of a nationally syndicated radio program. She is currently the Musical Director/Pianist for Christ Lutheran Church in Sandusky, and a freelance harpist.

In 2002, Karen was inducted into the Fremont Ross Music Hall of Fame. She is a member of the Erie County Chamber of Commerce, The American Harp Society and The Northwest Ohio Harp society.

 

Updated 5/08/07