Biography
Karen D. Surmani, Lecturer in Music Education received her Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance, K-12 Music teaching credential from California State University, Northridge, and a Masters in Music Education degree from the University of Southern California. A strong proponent of early music education and vocal health, she is an Orff-certified music teacher who has also done extensive study in the Kodály method. Ms. Surmani has many years of experience teaching elementary music in Los Angeles Unified and other southern California school districts. As the early childhood and elementary general music editor at Alfred Music, she edited and oversaw the production of many best-selling works on music education. An accomplished classical vocalist who also sings jazz, in 2016 Ms. Surmani toured Europe, performing with the acclaimed Columbia Jazz Band.
Ms. Surmani is the author/co-author of Teach Yourself to Sing; Singing 101; Rock Singing Techniques; Alfred’s Essentials of Music Theory; Sing at First Sight; Alfred’s Musical Playing Cards: Instruments, and Classical Composers; Sound Stories ‘Round the Year; and Classroom Music for Little Mozarts. Additionally, she was a grade level editor for the 2017 Pearson/Savvas on-line K-8 music education series, Interactive MUSIC powered by Silver Burdett with Alfred.