Karen Eshelman has taught music theory, music appreciation, organ and harpsichord at Furman since 2004. Before joining Furman's faculty as an instructor, Eshelman taught organ and music theory at Presbyterian College (S.C.) for seventeen years.
As a professional church musician, Eshelman has served as an organist and choirmaster at various parishes in Rochester, N.Y., Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minn., and Tryon, N.C. She has also worked in that capacity at the parish of St. James Episcopal in Greenville since 1988.
Eshelman enjoys the variety found in working with college students, as well as the weekly organ and choral music performances that are required as part of her music ministry. Eshelman recently helped guide St. James through the planning and purchase of a new tracker pipe organ, and led the planning of an organ dedication series of recitals and special worship services.
Training
Russell Saunders and Lenora McCroskey
Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester
Tomas Svoboda and John Strege
Portland State University
Gustav Leonhardt, Yuko Hayashi, Arthur Poister and Marilyn Mason
Independent studies
My philosophy is centered on the belief that learning is most effective when students feel free to discuss, ask questions and participate in activities during class time using concepts that have been presented in the lecture. In order for this to happen, students must fulfill their responsibility to prepare for class by completing the reading and piano practice assignments by the due date. The preparatory reading and piano assignments provide the basic understanding necessary for the students to formulate questions and to discuss the meaning of new concepts. Subsequent participation in class activities is then possible. This leads to a deeper understanding of the material and encourages every student to participate. I periodically review concepts and use practice drills for the purpose of truly mastering basic concepts. Graded and corrected written, aural, and keyboard assignments provide the final ingredient of the learning process.
MUS-111 Basic Musicianship I: Keyboard
MUS-112 Basic Musicianship II: Keyboard
MUS-211 Basic Musicianship III: Keyboard
MUS-212 Basic Musicianship IV: Keyboard