Carissa McIlwain

she/her

Voice - Piano - Ukulele - Guitar - Songwriting

Creative - Compassionate - Adaptive

While studying music therapy in college, Carissa focused on bringing music to the everyday lives of many individuals. She adapts to each student's unique needs all while challenging and celebrating their work and play. She believes there is a song to sing for every occasion, whether it’s accompanying daily rhythms of the home or a special and wild adventure. It is with this passion and innate musicality that Carissa teaches.

Carissa aims to provide a safe space and a healthy container in which the student feels emboldened to pursue their interest in music. This relationship is created by mutual respect and the openness to share. She believes we have a lot to teach each other, so she leads with warmth, compassion, and genuine curiosity. By providing student-centered lessons, Carissa guides, encourages, and cheers on her students’ individuality. It’s within this relationship that students can learn more about themselves while growing confidence in their musicianship.

Carissa enjoys helping students find what lights them up. For her, it’s songwriting by experimenting with chord progressions that are explorative and unexpected, balanced with finding the words to express stories with deeply held emotions. Encouraging students to explore and find their niche within their preferred music and if desired, their own music, is so rewarding. For Carissa, it’s all about sharing creativity and finding what makes us feel bold.

When she’s not teaching the child in all of us, Carissa can be found taking walks along the SRT, sharing music with friends over a bonfire, or chatting with her baby, Timmy.

Carissa is currently accepting new students at the Carriage House studio.

Professional Life

B.M. in Voice Performance, Elizabethtown College 2014
Song Leader, Wayne Ukes 2016-2019 
Adjudicator, Varsity Vocals 2017-present
Choir Director, Suburban Singers 2017-2018
Private Music Teacher, Chester County 2018-present
Preschool Music Teacher, Zion Lutheran Preschool 2022-present