Born in Brantford, Ontario, Karen Burke’s love for gospel music was nurtured through the strong musical legacy of her family, whose roots on both sides can be traced back to the 1800s in Ontario. Karen continued her musical training at McMaster University and while there developed an interest in choral conducting, she completed her Honours Bachelor of Music Degree in 1983.  Since then, Ms. Burke has also received the A.R.C.T. Diploma in Piano Teaching from the Royal Conservatory of Music and a Masters of Education degree from York University.