Karen Krueger attended the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point where she studied violin with Steven Bjella and viola with Dee Martz. Upon finishing her studies in instrumental and general music education with an emphasis in Suzuki violin, Ms. Krueger returned to her hometown of Saint Paul to teach orchestra and general music at Neill Elementary in Robbinsdale, coach cheerleading at St. Bernards High School and maintain a studio of private violin and viola students.

Although primarily a violist since the later years of college, Ms. Krueger does perform extensively on either instrument. She has held positions with the Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra (CWSO), the Wausau Symphony, and is currently principal viola for the Mississippi Valley Orchestra and Kenwood Symphony.