Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Carrie found a love for playing music at the age of two on her family's piano. She then began her studies through the public school strings program. Mrs. Caruso was awarded scholarships to attend Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp for three years. Carrie received the National School Orchestra Award in 1989 for her outstanding performance, leadership, and contribution as Concert Master of the Walled Lake Western High School Orchestra, and nominee for the John Phillip Sousa National Band Award. She also participated in the Walled Lake Western High Symphonic Band, Marching Band, and Jazz Ensemble, performing on alto and baritone saxophone, as well as percussion, concert and show choir. Mrs. Caruso held the position as Drum Major in 1988-1989. Carrie began teaching privately in the Detroit area in 1988, then later relocated in Arizona in 1994, where she performed as a freelance violinist throughout the state. A former student of Dr. Frank Spinosa, Professor of Violin, Arizona State University, Carrie also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Ottawa University. She has performed with ensembles including, The Redford Symphony, Ferris State University Orchestra, Eastern Michigan University Honor Orchestra, Arizona State University Symphony Orchestra. Mrs. Caruso co-founded the ensembles; Muse Violin & Cello Duo, Deux Femme, Auricle Guitar & violin duo, Epos, and Urban Quartet. Carrie has shared stages with grammy nominee William Eaton and the William Eaton Ensemble, DJ Radar worlds top turntablist (Spin Magazine), Kurt Bestor, Donna Summer, John Fogerty, Seal and many more. Mrs. Caruso arranges repertoire and performs first violin for Urban Quartet, performing for distinguished audiences such as Lexus, Revlon, Redkin, Merryl Lynch, General Mills, NFL Team Owners, Liberty Mutual, and many others. The Urban Quartet commissioned, and performed the world premiere of a new work entitled, "STIFF" by Michael Schelle, composer-in-residence, Butler University. Carrie has recorded violin sessions for several artists and producers, as well as national commercial spots such as Arizona Music Project, commissioned by the Arizona Office of Tourism, Catholics Come Home (aired for President Barack Obama at the White House with Pope Benedict), Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), and Grand Canyon University. Mrs. Caruso performs with her modern violin crafted by Albert Topa, electric violin by Zeta, bow by Alex Hendruk. Mrs. Caruso takes part in the music ministry at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, Tempe, Arizona and resides in Gilbert, Arizona with her husband and three children.
Cooper, between Baseline and Guadalupe
Beginner thru Advanced
Viola, Violin
Classical, Composition, Ensemble, Music Theory, Pop
Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe