Dean, School of Music 
Associate Professor
Trombone, Euphonium and Tuba, Pedagogy and Mind/Body Tools for Musicians

B. Mus. A. (Western Ontario)
M.Mus. (Yale)
M.M.A. (Yale)
D.M.A. (Yale)

kbulmer@mun.ca
Room: MU-2000
864-7486

 

@musicmindandmovement

Karen Bulmer is a versatile tuba player, educator, and writer. She is active as a tuba soloist and improviser and has performed her original one-woman show, Girl Meets Tuba, which chronicles her on-again off-again relationship with the tuba, in venues across Canada. Her radio piece, Joined at the Lip, which first aired on CBC’s Outfront in 2001, continues to be featured at radio festivals around the world, most recently at the Copenhagen Radio Cinema. Karen has presented at the annual inter-disciplinary ideaCity conference in Toronto and has recorded and performed with some of the finest classical, folk, and pop artists in Newfoundland.

In recent years, Karen’s research and creative interests have expanded to include the exploration of various mind-body practices and their particular relevance to musicians. Her unique Mind/Body Tools for Musicians program combines mindfulness with movement and self-regulation strategies to help musicians access a greater sense of their innate capacity for expression, presence, and resilience. Karen is also the creator and host of the Music, Mind, and Movement Podcast, a show that explores holistic approaches to music training and performance through in-depth conversations with educators, health professionals, somatic practitioners, and more. To listen to the podcast or to find out more about Karen’s work, including tips and tools to implement in your own practice, visit her website: www.musicmindandmovement.com

Karen holds a Bachelor of Musical Arts from the University of Western Ontario, a Professional Studies Diploma from the HARID Conservatory, and both a Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts from Yale University. Karen trained in meditation facilitation under the mentorship of Michael Stone and is a certified yoga instructor with additional training in biomechanics, anatomy, and movement for trauma.

MUN Low Brass Studio

The MUN Low Brass Studio offers collaborative and inclusive environment in which each student is supported in achieving his or her individual goals. All students, regardless of degree stream, are encouraged to pursue a high level of performance while also exploring how the musical, mental, and life skills developed through dedicated practice can support a wide range of personal and professional aspirations.

Former Low Brass students have gone on to study at some of the top graduate schools in North America and have built thriving careers as performers, composers, educators, doctors, lawyers, and entrepreneurs…to name a few! Current students enjoy unparalleled opportunities to hone their skills in a range of performance styles through diverse ensemble experiences and practice-based courses.