Today’s conversation with Atlanta Symphony bassist Karl Fenner is a deep-dive into auditioning, progress, long-term planning, and persevering through adversity. There’s a ton of advice that you can use to help with your preparation for any upcoming performance, audition, or high-stakes event!
About Karl Fenner:
Bassist Karl Fenner joined the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra in January 2016. A native of Houston, TX, he received his Bachelor of Music degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music, studying with Max Dimoff, and his Master of Music Degree from Rice University, with teachers Tim Pitts and Paul Ellison. Other teachers include, Albert Laszlo, Ken Harper, Dennis Whittaker, Sandor Ostlund, and Robert Stiles. Further training has included summers as a fellowship student at the Tanglewood Music Center and Aspen Music Festivals, in addition to the National Repertory Orchestra, Music Academy of the West, Spoleto USA and the Festival-Institute at Round Top.
Mr. Fenner joined the Colorado Symphony in 2008, serving as both section and principal bass. Prior to moving to Colorado, Mr. Fenner was a member of the New World Symphony in Miami Beach, FL. He has also spent time in the Canton Symphony in Canton, OH, and as a substitute musician with both the San Antonio and Houston Symphonies. As a recitalist, Karl performed at the International Society of Bassists convention in 2013.
As a teacher, Mr. Fenner served as the interim bass teacher at the University of Colorado-Boulder, and has given masterclasses at the University of Denver and the University of Colorado. He currently teaches at the Rocky Ridge Music Center in Estes Park, CO during the summer.
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