Bekah Carpio, Clarinetist

“𝘈𝘩, 𝘮𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘤, 𝘢 𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤 𝘣𝘦𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘸𝘦 𝘥𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦!”⁣ — Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone⁣ That sense of magic is exactly what I felt when I first picked up the clarinet at age ten - and it’s what has guided my musical journey ever since.⁣ I grew up in Northern Virginia, and was deeply involved in the region’s vibrant music community - participating in local honor ensembles, youth orchestras, music festivals and more. In my high school years I was 1st Chair of the Virginia All-State Orchestra as a sophomore, Principal Clarinet of the American Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, and selected for All-District Band, Senior Regional Orchestra, and the Honor Band and Honor Orchestra of America. My senior year I won the Navy Band's Concerto Competition as well as other competitions that allowed me to perform as a featured soloist in the area.⁣ I received my Bachelor's of Music in Clarinet Performance and an Arts Leadership Certificate from the Eastman School of Music. I then continued my studies internationally as a Fulbright Scholar in the UK. I got my Master's of Performance (Orchestral Artistry) from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London, working with the London Symphony Orchestra, and then my PhD researching conservatoire training, music education and community work, also from Guildhall. I feel incredibly fortunate to have studied with world-class teachers, and I’m deeply committed to passing their insight, artistry, and practical wisdom on to my own students.⁣ Today, I teach students of all ages and levels in the DMV area. I specialize in clarinet instruction and am particularly experienced in helping students prepare for solo and ensemble repertoire, district and All-State auditions, youth orchestra placements, and summer music festival applications and recordings. Alongside clarinet, I also teach beginner piano and have experience teaching individuals, small groups, and classroom settings.⁣ My teaching style is patient, encouraging, and engaging. I believe great music-making starts with feeling supported and confident - and that learning music should be both meaningful and fun. I love helping students connect with music they already enjoy while building strong fundamentals and expressive skills that last a lifetime.⁣ A few fun facts: I’m a proud Swiftie, and when I’m not teaching or performing you’ll likely find me baking sourdough bread, going for a run, practicing yoga, country dancing, or spending time with friends. Health, wellness, and balance are important to me, and those values carry into my teaching as well.⁣ Whether your goal is joyful music-making, audition success, or long-term artistic growth, I would be honored to support your clarinet journey—wherever you are starting from. I hope to hear from you! 🎶