Adventures in New Music – My First Lecture Recital in a Decade

This week I gave a lecture recital at a local university. For someone who has been “out of the loop” for nearly ten years, it was both nerve-wracking and exhilarating.

What I Shared

My program focused on new music and electronic music, two areas that have shaped much of my career. I spoke about:

• How I first got into performing new music

• How it gave me opportunities to play around the world

• Tips for practicing and preparing unusual repertoire

I also performed works that use extended techniques (like playing inside the piano) and fixed media. It had been years since I’d done this on a large concert instrument, and wow—what a different feeling!

Why It Mattered

I’ll be honest: I was rusty. My organization, my presentation, even some of my playing could have been tighter. But that wasn’t the point. The students asked great questions, engaged with the music, and seemed genuinely curious about learning more.

That’s what excites me most. Sharing my experience with others—especially students—reminds me why I love this music. And the performance may have opened doors to more local opportunities and even conference presentations in the near future.

Looking Forward

Two years ago, if you had told me I’d:

• Be booked for future concerts

• Earn an RCM gold medal

• Give a paid lecture recital

…I would have thought you were nuts. Yet here I am, rediscovering music in a new way.

I have big hopes for my piano career moving forward—stay tuned for more. For now, it’s back to practicing (and teaching, and training, and running a business, haha!).

Kari Johnson Barroso is a pianist, business owner, and Jiu-Jitsu competitor. In her mid-40s, she’s chasing big goals, managing the chaos, and proving it’s never too late to fight for the life you want — even if it means hugging the world with your legs