Carla LaRocca

Carla LaRocca is an Associate Teaching Professor of Keyboard Studies at Carnegie Mellon University's School of Music, where she has taught since 1989. She also serves as Director of Beginning Piano in the Carnegie Mellon Preparatory School and Choir Director at St. Mary Magdalene Parish. LaRocca holds a B.A. (summa cum laude) from Albion College and an M.F.A. (with honors) from Carnegie Mellon University.

Her career includes extensive performance experience as a soloist and chamber musician across the U.S. and Europe, along with roles as pianist for the Ann Arbor Symphony and performer for figures like Norman Dello Joio and the Italian Ambassador. Her teaching focuses on keyboard studies, music pedagogy, and ensemble coordination. In 2020, she received the prestigious Henry Hornbostel Teaching Award from CMU.

LaRocca’s professional history spans over three decades in academia and performance. She has mentored numerous music students through CMU’s undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to music education. Her current roles combine undergraduate instruction with community engagement through her parish choir leadership.