Karen Beth Atz is Artist-in-Residence at the UW-Madison School of Music. She is principal harpist with the Madison Symphony Orchestra, a position she has held since 1976. Ms. Atz maintains a private teaching studio and presents more than 30 performances each year as a free-lance harpist. She offers expertise and experience in many styles, including classical, contemporary, folk, jazz, popular, ethnic, and Celtic music.

Ms. Atz is in demand as a harpist for orchestra, opera, ballet, chorus, small ensemble, and solo performances. She appears as guest artist with symphonies and in numerous programs such as Sunday Afternoon Live at the Elvehjem, Bach Dancing and Dynamite Society, UW faculty recitals, and community performances in many states. Ms. Atz has played harp for many dignitaries, including Wisconsin governors and President Jimmy Carter. She has been principal harpist with the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra and several other orchestras throughout Wisconsin and Illinois.

Ms. Atz has taught at Edgewood College and for master classes at UW-Madison, UW-Stevens Point, and other locations in Wisconsin, UW-Madison Summer Music Clinic, the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra, and workshops for public schools.

Karen Beth Atz is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Music. She has studied with Mildred Dilling, Margaret Cooper, and other students of Grandjany, as well as the contrasting technique of Alice Chalifoux.