Karen Becker, Associate Professor of Cello in the UNL School of Music, is an active soloist and avid chamber player, having performed throughout the United States as well as in Europe, Mexico and Puerto Rico. During the summer of 2003 she served as faculty artist with the Ameropa Chamber Music Festival in Prague. While in Prague she performed in a series of concerts in various venues throughout the city such as the prestigious Suk Hall at the Rudolfinum, Martinu Hall at the Academy of Music, and the Hall of Mirrors at the Klementinum. And in June of 2003 she returned for a second season as faculty artist with the Red Lodge Music Festival (in Montana). She has served as cellist with the Omega String Quartet, quartet-in-residence for Lutheran Music Program and as principal cellist of both the Melkus Ensemble and International String Orchestra. She has appeared as soloist and principal cellist with the Texas Cello Choir at national conventions as well as on "Front Row Center", a Texas Public Television program. She tours regularly as a soloist in duo recitals with various pianists.

Dr. Becker is President of the Nebraska chapter of the American String Teachers Association and is a past president of the Missouri chapter. She has served on national committees of the American String Teachers Association (ASTA) and is currently on the planning committee for the 2005 ASTA convention. She has conducted several orchestras in the University of Texas String Project and has been a clinician and guest conductor for high school orchestras and cellists throughout the United States.

Dr. Becker received her Bachelor of Music degree from Ohio University and her Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees from the University of Texas at Austin. Her teachers have included David Becker, Leighton Conkling, Roger Drinkall, and Phyllis Young. Dr. Becker has served on the faculties of Truman State University and the University of Texas, as String Project Teacher.