Karen Rege, Ed.D.
Musician • Composer • Educator
Bringing Diverse Musical Influences Together
Over two decades of experience in composition, performance, and education spanning jazz, African, Latin, and contemporary styles
Bringing Diverse Musical Influences Together
Over two decades of experience in composition, performance, and education spanning jazz, African, Latin, and contemporary styles
With over two decades of immersion in Delaware's vibrant music scene, I bring a diverse background as a composer, producer, performer, and educator to every project. Though I've been active in music performance for many years, my journey as a songwriter and composer began more recently, allowing me to approach composition with both fresh perspective and deep musical knowledge.
My compositions span numerous styles including blues, modal jazz, traditional African music, Latin jazz, Cuban son, new age, R&B, and smooth jazz. This versatility reflects my extensive musical training and multicultural influences.
I earned my Bachelor's degree from the Hartt School of Music, where I studied with legendary jazz figures Jackie McLean and Jaki Byard. My academic journey continued with a Master's degree in Historical Musicology from the University of Michigan specializing in early jazz history, and a Doctorate of Education from the University of Delaware focused on music technology in higher education performance.
Further enriching my musical vocabulary, I hold certificates from the Asociación de Musicos Latinos Americanos for studies in Cuba, and have studied online at Berklee School of Music including improvisational studies with Grammy winner Gary Burton and songwriting with Pat Pattison.
As founder of two ensembles, Pastiche and the Rege-Walker World Jazz Ensemble, I introduce diverse music genres to local audiences. I've performed at venues including the Riverfront concert series, Longwood Gardens, the Delaware Contemporary, and numerous regional performance spaces.
My production work draws on my academic background in musicology and ethnomusicology to create uniquely blended sounds. To further refine these skills, I'm currently enrolled in the Music Production and Technology professional certificate program at Community College of Philadelphia.
In 2015, I established Salsera Music, LLC, which taught local musicians the fundamentals of the music business, including copyrights, contracts, publishing, recording, and marketing. I currently manage my husband, Pape Demba Samb who is a griot and drummer from Senegal.
My first album, featuring nine original compositions across a wide variety of styles including blues, modal jazz, African jazz, Latin jazz, Cuban son, new age, R&B, and smooth jazz.
Listen on SoundCloudThis upcoming album features original works that explore cultural aspects and societal issues of Senegal and West Africa. Recorded both in the U.S. and Senegal, it showcases a fusion of jazz, R&B, salsa, mbalax, traditional African drumming, and African acoustique.
Listen on SoundCloudDeeply committed to music education and community outreach, I've taught piano and jazz improvisation for over 30 years, including positions at the Delaware Music School, Christina Cultural Arts Center, and through my private studio.
From 2008 to 2012, I developed and taught World Music courses at Delaware County Community College. I co-authored the world's first open educational textbook on world music called GlobalMusix with Dr. Robin Armstrong, released in 2021 by Rebus Books.
I was a founding member of the Delaware chapter of the International Association of Jazz Educators and taught in the Jazz Reach Workshop. I served as a music/opera grants panel reviewer for Delaware Division of the Arts for six years and continue to review events for them.