Interview with Sister Karen Conlin: 45 Years of Teaching at the Holy Names Music Center

SNJM Sister Karen Conlin has dedicated forty-five years to teaching music at the Holy Names Music Center (HNMC). She uses her skill as a music educator and professional cellist to promote peace, dignity, and hope. She occasionally plays the cello with other musicians for weddings, funerals, and other special events. She is currently a member of the U.S.-Ontario Province.

The heritage of the Holy Names Music Center spans more than a century. In 1888, five Sisters of the Holy Names arrived in Spokane from Portland, Oregon, to open an elementary school; piano lessons were already being offered before the end of that first year.

What is special about the HNMC, and what do you like most about it?

The Holy Names Music Center is distinguished by its vibrant, collaborative environment. I deeply value the opportunity to work alongside such a dedicated faculty, where we don’t just share teaching techniques and ideas, but also enjoy a genuine sense of camaraderie through our joint projects.

The Center provides us with dedicated teaching studios and access to the recital hall for performances. Perhaps most significantly, the school manages all billing and financial logistics with families, allowing us to focus entirely on our students. I also find great joy in the variety of our student recitals—ranging from piano and strings to vocal and guitar—and the fact that our facility supports summer camps, group lessons, and rehearsal space for local orchestras.

How are the HNMC’s activities in line with the Sisters of the Holy Names’ mission or educational goals?

Our work is rooted in the legacy of Mother Marie Rose, who founded the community on the conviction that education is a matter of justice and compassion—one that should be accessible to all children, regardless of wealth.

We believe in educating the “whole human person,” which means nurturing the soul and a sense of beauty alongside academic subjects. Our goal is to enrich every student: while some will pursue music as a career, others will find lifelong personal pleasure in playing, and many will become informed, appreciative audience members. To ensure this mission remains inclusive, we offer a generous financial aid scholarship fund that serves as a cornerstone of our community.

What difference can such an organization make in a society?

The Holy Names Music Center serves as a pillar of stability; our long-term presence in the Spokane area is a testament to our commitment to the community. By offering music education in a wide array of instruments and styles—through both private and group instruction—we provide a vital cultural and educational resource that enriches the lives of local residents.

What are your hopes for the future of the HNM Center?

My primary hope is to secure the long-term sustainability of the Center. This support will allow us to better invest in our dedicated faculty and ensure our facilities remain a high-quality environment for learning, preserving our status as a premier space for musical growth for years to come.

Learn more about the Holy Names Music Center here: hnmc.org