|  Kathryn
Bakke, widely recognized and completely unique pianist/entertainer
and speaker based in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area is
even more unique as a musical artist with a profound hearing loss
in both ears who uses a hearing aid and a cochlear implant.
She entertains all over the United States. She represents great
and inspirational achievement. overcoming the challenges of losing
the one sense most crucial to her profession,
Many people with a hearing loss or other disability give up their
chosen field or discontinue their previous activities, professionally,
socially or physically. Kathryn demonstrates that it need not
happen.
After her second major hearing loss, she demonstrated triumph
over the following:
AS A MUSICIAN, she has:
- Earned a Master's degree in piano performance.
- Held church positions as pianist, organist and choir director.
- Taught large classes of piano students including many contest
winners.
- Adjudicated for piano exams and competitions.
- Composed a variety of music including humorous and serious
compositions for piano solo and four-hands, vocal and choral.
- Performed a variety of theme show series each year in a
widening geographical area. These areas nclude the entire
upper Midwest, Seattle, Denver, CO, Southeast United States,
upstate New York, Washington D.C. and cities en route. The
themes include all the holidays and many novelty themes such
as "New York! New York." She develops custom theme
shows for conferences and conventions, family occasions and
private parties.
- Has produced and performed as the principal artist for
three compact discs
- Entertained varied groups from senior venues to private
parties to corporate events specializing in convention openers.
AS A SPEAKER, she is:
- A member of National Speakers Association and a long time
Toastmaster.
- A memorable motivational musical keynote speaker on overcoming
impossible challenges.
- Available to present to groups seeking information on providing
hearing loss access.
AS A WRITER:
- l She writes articles for national hearing loss newsletters.
- She is working on several books:·
- "Sure I Can Hear, But I Want to Listen!" which
informs a variety of venues such as conferences, churches,
retirement facilities and others on how to open up their space
to include people with a hearing loss.
- · “Uncertain Steps” - a lightly humorous
book comparing the floundering experiences of a traveler,
here and abroad, coping with route and communication challenges
to the similar experiences undergone by a person with a hearing
loss.
AS A VOLUNTEER, she is:
- An active church member, participating in and volunteering
for whichever activities can be meshed with her busy tour
schedule.
- A past board member of Association of Adult Musicians with
Hearing Loss.
- A past board member of the MN Hearing Loss Association in
America (HLAA)
- Actively participates in neighborhood block leadership
Kathryn is married to Roald. They have two married
children and four charming grandchildren. She loves to read. She
and Roald are enthusiastic power volleyball players and long distance
bicyclists.
Roald is also her faithful roadie, often adding
an additional light touch to her shows.
Kathryn and Roald have traveled widely to many places
in Europe as well as an extensive stay in Turkey, residing near
Istanbul.
She maintains an active entertaining and speaking
schedule, over 150 appearances in 2011.
Please call or email for the latest information
on availability and fees.
Phone: 612-866-2974.
E-mail: kbakmushoh@aol.com
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