Karen Stutzman
Musician and Worship Leader with comprehensive background in ministry, music performance and education. Demonstrated success in coordinating events, leading rehearsals, and supporting diverse musical programs. Proven ability to foster collaboration and creativity within teams, utilizing strong communication and organizational skills.
Work History
Music Associate
1 Year 2 Months- Organize weekly worship in the Outdoor Gathering Space and sanctuary early services.
- Direct music and arts programming with children and youth; lead handbells; creative director of the Arts@Augsburg program.
- Coordinate worship music selections for services, aligning repertoire with liturgical seasons and congregational needs.
Music Director
10 Years 2 Months- I have served as Music Director for 80+ musicals.
- Direct vocal rehearsals for musical productions, ensuring accurate pitch, rhythm, and ensemble blend.
- Coach young performers on vocal technique, diction, and musical confidence during the rehearsal process.
- Collaborate with directors and choreographers to integrate music cues with blocking and movement.
Voice and Piano Instructor
22 Years 2 Months- Instruct voice and piano lessons for diverse age groups, fostering musical development from early childhood to adulthood
- Over the 20 years of teaching, I have taught privately and in local children’s theater
- Instructed students in technique, sight-reading, theory, and repertoire development.
- Evaluated student progress and adjusted instruction to strengthen performance and musical understanding.
Worship Arts Associate
1 Year 4 Months- Led and coordinated weekly contemporary worship services.
- Collaborated with Director of Music, Senior Pastor, Associate Pastor, and Youth Director to successfully engage all generations in worship and the life of the church
- Integrated a variety of arts (visual, musical, drama) into worship experiences
Regional Director
3 Years 6 Months- Local nonprofit focused on serving the community and cultivating relationships
- Coordinated annual event, Christmas for the City, leveraging performing arts to unite over 10,000 attendees in celebration.
- Directed regional operations, aligning program execution with organizational goals and community impact priorities.
- Built partnerships with local leaders to expand outreach, engagement, and service coordination.
Contemporary Worship Director
4 Years 2 Months- Crafted weekly worship experiences that engaged and inspired our church community
- Directed worship team, expanding from one member to over 20, fostering participation from both adults and youth
- Collaborated with children’s pastor, youth pastor, and media manager to strengthen community bonds and cultivate lasting relationships
Director of Music Ministries
1 Year 10 Months- Directed worship music programs, aligning choir, praise team, and instrumentalists with liturgical calendar.
- Selected congregational music and arrangements to support weekly services and special observances.
- Rehearsed vocal and instrumental ensembles, improving performance consistency and musical readiness.
- Coordinated volunteers, accompanists, and guest musicians for seamless worship participation.
Teacher, Choir
10 Months- Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum goals and state music standards.
- Assessed student performance, providing targeted feedback to improve pitch, rhythm, and expression.
- Directed choir rehearsals, strengthening vocal technique, blend, and diction across varied student ensembles.
- Organized concerts and performances, coordinating music selections, staging, and rehearsal schedules.
Teacher, Choir
5 Years 10 Months- Collaborated with administrators, colleagues, and families to support student growth and program success.
- Mentored student leaders, building confidence, responsibility, and ensemble accountability.
- Organized successful fundraising events to support choir activities, trips, and resources.
- Fostered a positive learning environment by promoting inclusivity and teamwork within the choir.
Education
Master of Music - Sacred Music
Bachelor of Arts - Music (Voice/Piano)
Skills
Community Partnerships
Building Bridges Through Song, Supporter and Worship Leader, 2025-2026
- Mission: To bring together individuals and organizations who love to sing or listen to music, aiming to build inclusive relationships, eliminate prejudice, and promote local peace.
- The group hosts community hymn sings, seasonal celebrations (such as Juneteenth gatherings featuring traditional freedom songs), and collaborative cultural events.
SPARK Board of Directors, Secretary, 2020-2025
- Founding board member of nonprofit in Winston-Salem, NC
- Nonprofit focused on designing and managing service-learning opportunites
YMCA Board Member, 2022-2025
- Active board member for Yadkin YMCA in Yadkin County, NC
Polyphony Music Cohort, 2025
- Selected as one of 12 members of this national cohort, coordinated by Polyphony Music Resources
- Polyphony's Mission Statement: Polyphony aims to foster a thriving community of church musicians, offering them encouragement, support, and resources.
Spiritual Gifts and My "Why"
God has called me to be a voice to my generation, and this is a calling I have lived into for over 20 years as a teacher, instructor, worship leader and church musician. I love to use whatever is necessary to help others fall deeply in love with Jesus, whether that is through contemporary music, traditional music, drama, visual arts, instruments, or simply over a cup of coffee. I also prioritize people over the spotlight on myself, and I love to empower others to use their gifts to glorify God. God has called me to use my creative energy to praise Him in all circumstances, and to lead others to love God fully, without reservation, while being the hands and feet of Jesus. I have two teenagers - Kaylee (18) and Josh (15) - who love God and love to exalt Him through music and worship. When I’m not at my piano or singing, I love spending time with family and friends, teaching group exercise at the YMCA (almost 10 years of teaching Body Combat), and eating really great food.