Kristen Powell is a versatile music educator, bassoonist, and contrabassoonist based in Connecticut, who has been committed to bringing her instrument into the public eye by providing exeptional performances and educational experiences for nearly a decade.
Kristen has been a part of the private lesson faculty at the Hartt School Community Division since 2015. Her goal is always to create well-rounded, independent musicians, by teaching how to efficiently problem-solve in the practice room and perform consistently at a high level. This approach has allowed her students to successfully audition for CMEA regional and all-state festivals, as well as collegiate music programs throughout the country. Since joining this innovative establishment, she has helped to expand the bassoon program while solidifying the instrument's presence in schools throughout the state.
As a freelancer, Kristen performs in ensembles of many different sizes and styles. Her most appearances include performances with the New Britain Symphony Orchestra and Hartford Independent Chamber Orchestra. Kristen is thrilled to be joining the Kalmia Ensemble this year, not only to deliver woodwind quartet performances of the highest caliber, but to further her mission of putting bassoon and rarely-heard repertoire in the spotlight.
In addition to working with professional ensembles throughout the state, Kristen is a passionate music educator and enjoys performing in "student ensembles". She frequently collaborates with universities, private schools, and state honor ensembles to help elevate the skills of these newer musicians and serve as a role model as a working professional.
In her free time, Kristen enjoys being out in nature and spending time with her furbabies, Bella, Maggie, and Kitten. She happily resides in Colchester with her perfect husband, Kevin.
I believe that every student can be successful when given effective and methodical guidance. This philosophy carries through into the execution of my lessons, which I strive to make as consistent as possible. Especially since most of my students have been beginners playing for the first time, I have realized that this is the only way to ensure they develop good habits from the beginning. Throughout every segment, I incorporate multiple musical concepts (especially when putting things in theoretical and historical contexts) because I believe that comprehensive musicianship is the key to my students’ success.