Carla LaRocca

Associate Teaching Professor of Keyboard Studies

Bio

Carla LaRocca is a native of Ann Arbor, Michigan, where she began her musical studies at the age of six with her father, Anthony LaRocca, a former New Orleans jazz pianist. She later studied with Natalie Matovinovic, Charles Fisher, Laura Kargul, and Nelson Whitaker. Ms. LaRocca holds a B.A. from Albion College (summa cum laude) and an M.F.A. with honors from Carnegie Mellon University. LaRocca was the pianist of the Ann Arbor Symphony and has appeared as a soloist and chamber musician throughout the United States and Europe. She has performed for Norman Dello Joio and was honored to play for the Italian Ambassador of Italy. Currently, Ms. LaRocca is the Choir Director for St. Mary Magdalene Parish.

Carla LaRocca is Associate Teaching Professor of Keyboard Studies at Carnegie Mellon University. She has taught nearly every music major since she joined the faculty in the School of Music since 1989. LaRocca is also the Director of Beginning Piano in the Carnegie Mellon Preparatory School.

Carla LaRocca was awarded by Carnegie Mellon University with the prestigious Henry Hornbostel Teaching Award in 2020.