Karen Holmes was born in Toronto, and completed an A.R.C.T. in piano at the Royal Conservatory. After she graduated with a B.A. from the University of Toronto, a French Government Scholarship took her to Toulouse, France, where she studied for three years at the Conservatoire, earning a Premier Prix in organ. Karen holds the diploma of F.R.C.C.O., and was national President of the Royal Canadian College of Organists (RCCO) from 1996 to 1998.
She has taught organ, harpsichord and Baroque ensembles at the University of Ottawa since 1973. She performs frequently as a solo organist and harpsichordist as well as in chamber music ensembles. During her term as President of the RCCO, she played recitals and conducted masterclasses and workshops in Centres across Canada, from St. John's, Newfoundland, to Victoria, B.C. She is interested in unusual programming and has performed several recitals combining Baroque and 20th century music, or music for two different keyboard instruments. In the year 2000, she completed a CD recording called Kaléidoscope Bach Kaleidoscope, music by nine members of the Bach family played on organ, harpsichord and fortepiano. In 2004, she made a CD of early Canadian organ music at Eglise Sainte-Anne, Ottawa
Karen was Organist and Choir Director at St. Peter's from 1975 to 1986. In the 1980's and 90's she served as Interim Organist in several Ottawa churches. In 2001, she returned to St. Peter's, where she is again Organist and Choir Director.
Karen and her husband Hugh Eisenhauer attend many concerts, and enjoy travelling.