BIOGRAPHY
Karis Wiebe
Karis Wiebe | Master Biography
For more than three decades, Karis Wiebe has established herself as a distinguished musician, digital innovator, and dedicated educator, mentoring students ranging from young beginners to advanced university levels. Backed by an extensive international background performing, teaching, and coaching at prestigious European institutions, she maintains a successful global online vocal studio alongside a flourishing Canadian clientele.
Locally, she has instructed at the University of Manitoba and Canadian Mennonite University. In addition to teaching and performing, Karis is an active choral conductor and is regularly in demand as a vocal and choral clinician throughout Manitoba.
Karis holds a Master of Music in Vocal Performance and Vocal Pedagogy from McGill University, a Bachelor of Music and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Manitoba, and a Bachelor of Church Music from Canadian Mennonite University, specializing in Vocal and Piano Performance, Collaborative Piano, and Choral Conducting. She is an active member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), the Canadian Federation of Music Teachers' Associations (CFMTA), Choral Canada, MRMTA, and the Manitoba Choral Association.
Ministry & Choral Leadership
Throughout her distinguished tenure in music ministry at First Mennonite Church in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Karis served as a deeply trusted leader. Fully credentialed during her service, she entered her tenure as the Associate Minister of Music and Worship before being called to the senior role of Minister of Music. Beyond conducting and accompanying various choirs and ensembles to preserve the rich legacy of four-part (SATB) congregational singing, her ministry has flourished into versatile spiritual and community leadership. Highly trusted for her presence and insight, she has been called upon to preach for First Mennonite Church as well as various regional Mennonite congregations and faith-based community organizations. Furthermore, her leadership extends well beyond traditional church structures, where she is sought out independently to officiate major life milestones, including weddings and funeral services.
Currently, Karis continues her impact on the choral community as the Associate Conductor of the renowned Soli Deo Gloria choir. Concurrently, she serves as the Director of the Choral Department at Grant Park High School in Winnipeg where she successfully operates a variety of thriving music ensembles, choirs, guitar classes, musical theatre productions, and a flourishing, innovative commercial songwriting course.
Global Digital Innovation: The "Smart" Series
Expanding her professional influence to a global scale, Karis is the creator of a premier suite of online educational platforms. Launching this summer, her signature vocal program, Sing It Smart is designed for a broad spectrum of vocalists—including independent singers, university voice minors, and choral conductors—this high-quality digital resource provides a flexible model for private, self-paced technical mastery.
Following this release, Karis is also developing a companion keyboard course, Key It Smart, which will bring a distinct two-tier approach to online piano education, balancing traditional classical examination skills with contemporary chord playing.
At Karis Wiebe Studios, Karis and her team of expert instructors provide a superior learning experience, seamlessly integrating classical foundations with creative songwriting, music theory, and performance coaching across voice and piano.
Industry Endorsements & Testimonials
"Through the Sing It Smart online vocal course, Karis shares that high-level expertise. She has a rare gift for making complex vocal health and technique feel accessible, ensuring every student sings with more power and intelligence. If you want to master your instrument, you need the brilliant 'smart' technique that only someone with Karis's breadth of experience can provide."
— Thomas Uncles | Emmy Award Winner, Editor of NBC's "The Voice" & "American Song Contest", Producer and Director
Karis Wiebe leads an extraordinary performing arts program as part of Inclusion Support at Grant Park High School. We are so incredibly impressed with all she has done and continues to do within the very ‘favorite’ course in the program! We are so very lucky to have Karis at the helm."
— Debbie Maslowsky | Rainbow Stage Wall of Fame Inductee, Performer, and Adjudicator
"I have had the pleasure of attending a few musical theatre productions directed by Karis Wiebe. The shows were part of the Inclusion Support Program at Grant Park High School, and she never failed to make the students shine on stage. The audiences loved the performances, and it was obvious the students loved their director. I just found out that she is also a voice and piano teacher! I can’t think of a more loving, caring, and all-round perfect person for this. She is amazing!"
— Al Simmons | Juno Award Winner, Member of the Order of Manitoba, and Entertainer
“Students have found song writing to be a necessary outlet and form of expression,”
~ Chris Wolf |Music Director and Host of Golden West Radio Classic 107 FM
Education & Credentials
* Master of Music (Vocal Performance & Pedagogy) |McGill University
* Bachelor of Education |University of Manitoba
* Bachelor of Music |University of Manitoba
* Bachelor of Church Music (Piano & Vocal Performance, Conducting) | Canadian Mennonite University
Certifications
* Professional Certified Teacher (Province of Manitoba)
* Certified Orff Schulwerk Teacher
My Philosophy
"I believe every individual possesses a unique brilliance. My passion is helping students reveal that light, whether through the art of singing or the discipline of playing an instrument. Growing up, I was deeply inspired by my uncle, the late Dr. George Wiebe—a renowned conductor and musician. He taught me that music must always come from a higher place, as a gift from above meant to uplift the human spirit. It is with that same sense of reverence, family legacy, and deep care that I guide every student on their musical journey." ~ Karis
