About
By the age of three, visits to her grandmother’s house almost always ended at the piano, where she delighted in exploring the keyboard and asking her mother to play every piece of music she found on the music rack. At age seven, her mother became her first piano teacher. At nine years of age, Dr. Carlin began studying with church organist Mary Sanders, whose mentorship helped her flourish as a young pianist. During those years, she earned multiple first-place awards through Colorado’s local CMTA competitions while consistently receiving distinction in annual evaluations. She also received special commendation markings and superior plus ratings from the National Guild of Piano Teachers. She later continued her high school studies with Veronica Cukro, participating in master classes through the University of Colorado Boulder, receiving specialized training in piano technique, and performing throughout Western Colorado. It was during this time she began her teaching journey, coached by her mother. Along the way, she co-founded a traveling piano duo with fellow pianist Andrea Christiansen. Summers were spent immersed in intensive studies of piano, music theory, and aural skills. Her musical education continued at Mesa State College under Dr. Monte Atkinson, where she expanded her studies in piano, voice, music theory, and performance, ultimately earning a minor in Music Performance. An injury during college unexpectedly brought an end to an active keyboard performance career, it also deepened her appreciation for teaching. While performing has always been rewarding, helping students discover their own musical voice is an even greater calling.
Biography
A piano only has eighty-eight keys, yet the possibilities they offer are endless. That sense of creative potential has shaped Dr. Rebecca Carlin’s lifelong love of music. Today, after more than 35 years of teaching and tens of thousands of piano lessons, her greatest joy remains helping students discover musical outlets for themselves.
Her musical journey began long before her first piano lesson. Growing up in a musical family immersed her in music from an early age. At just 18 months old, she would sit beside her mother, an organist, as they played and sang together each day. One of her earliest memories is sitting in church, captivated by the choir singing a cappella and wondering how such fascinating sounds were created. Those experiences sparked a lifelong fascination with melody, harmony, and musical expression.
In addition to her musical training, Dr. Carlin earned a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, practiced clinical pharmacy for 14 years before founding a nonprofit, Quest for Education and Arts which sponsored a rigorous fine arts program. She also enjoyed many years of choral and opera performance. She has also served as a children’s choir director and accompanist, experiences that continue to enrich her musicianship and teaching style.
While many of Dr. Carlin’s students simply enjoy making music for themselves and their families, others have earned recognition in international competitions and have been accepted into competitive collegiate music programs. Regardless of their goals, she measures success not by awards alone, but by helping students develop confidence, character, discipline, creativity, and a lifelong love of music.
Dr. Carlin continues to pursue advanced training in piano pedagogy and is currently working toward national certifications through MTNA and Muso. When she is not teaching, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, exploring advances in medicine, and cooking delicious meals for anyone who happens to be hungry.
For Dr. Carlin, music has always been more than a performance—it is a gift to be shared. Whether a student dreams of performing professionally or simply wants to fill a home with beautiful music, she considers it a privilege to help open the door to those possibilities.