Kara Barnard is a nationally acclaimed multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, and visual artist based in Brown County, Indiana. Known for her exceptional musicianship and down-to-earth teaching style, Kara has inspired hundreds of students each year on guitar, mandolin, banjo, and mountain dulcimer—earning her reputation as one of Indiana’s most respected music instructors.
A lifelong advocate for traditional string music, Kara won the 2022 Walnut Valley Festival National Mountain Dulcimer Championship, one of the most prestigious honors in the field. Her dedication to the dulcimer community also shines through her innovative teaching programs, including Kara’s Silver Strings, which brings accessible dulcimer instruction to older adults and assisted living communities across the country.
Kara’s musical journey spans seven solo albums and collaborations with artists such as Tret Fure, Ferron, Wishing Chair, Jamie Anderson, and Sindacato. Her artistry has taken her around the world, from small-town festivals to international conventions in Bogotá, Colombia.
In addition to her performing and teaching career, Kara co-produces the Indiana State Fingerstyle Guitar Contest and continues to mentor the next generation of musicians through workshops, private lessons, and community performances.
When she’s not teaching or performing, Kara channels her creativity into visual art—particularly her signature “cartoon cartography,” a whimsical, hand-drawn map style celebrated by collectors.
These days, you’ll most often find Kara surrounded by music, laughter, and students—sharing her joy of the dulcimer and her deep belief that music is meant to be played, shared, and lived.
