Dr. Rebecca D. Karu is an accomplished and innovative French hornist and educator whose career integrates performance, pedagogy, and research. She currently serves as Adjunct Professor of French Horn at Ocean County College, and formerly as a Chamber Music Instructor at Rutgers University, where she mentored undergraduate students and coached chamber ensembles that have earned recognition in university-level competitions. Her teaching emphasizes technical precision, embouchure development, and pedagogical awareness, preparing students for both professional performance and teaching careers.

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As a performer, Dr. Karu maintains an active and versatile schedule across the New York and New Jersey metropolitan areas. She performs regularly with ensembles including the Adelphi Orchestra, MidAtlantic Philharmonic Orchestra, Bravura Philharmonic, Edison Philharmonic, Opera Italiana, and the Hollywood Film Orchestra. Her experience encompasses orchestral, chamber, and solo performance, reflecting a commitment to musical excellence and artistic collaboration.

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Dr. Karu earned her Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Rutgers University following graduate and undergraduate studies at Mannes College of Music (The New School) and Montclair State University. Her doctoral dissertation, “An Inclusive Approach Towards Technical Embouchure Success: A Critique of Current Methods and the Consideration of Maxillofacial Anatomy,” examined the intersection of physical diversity and pedagogical practice. Her research advocates for inclusive and anatomy-informed teaching methods that recognize the influence of individual physiognomy, gender, and ethnicity on brass performance techniques.

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In addition to her performance and academic work, Dr. Karu was the Founder and former Artistic Director of Brass Out Loud, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the brass community. Under her leadership, the organization hosted educational workshops, masterclasses, and discussions on musicians’ health, performance development, and representation in the arts.

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Dr. Karu’s professional interests extend to musicians’ wellness, pedagogy, and equitable teaching practices. Her scholarship and artistry reflect a continued dedication to fostering inclusive learning environments and advancing the field of brass performance through research-driven, student-centered education.