Karin Hardin began playing the viola at age 9 in association with her elementary school music program.  She chose the viola because she wanted to be different than all the other aspiring violinists around her!  She has never regretted her choice. Karin began taking lessons at age 12 with Barbara Poularikas, and then with David Holland at Interlochen Arts Academy.  After she received her high school diploma in performance, she went on to Louisiana State University to study with Jerzy Kosmala and Borislava Iltcheva.  Karin has attended numerous summer festivals, including Eastern Music Festival, Quartet Program, National Symphony Workshop, and Aspen Music Festival.  She has shared the stage with conductors such as Michael Stern, Federico Cortese, and David Zinman.  She has worked with Joshua Bell, Laurie Carney, Roberto Diaz, Charlie Castleman, Renato Bonacini, James Lyon, Diane Monroe, Paul Neubauer, and members of the Ying, Cavani, and Cleveland quartets.  Karin currently studies under Victoria Chiang at the Peabody Conservatory, and will graduate in May with her Master's of Music in performance.