About Dr. Gibson
Dr. Carissa Gibson is a dedicated music educator, violinist, and ensemble director with more than a decade of experience inspiring students from early childhood through high school. She currently teaches kindergarten through sixth-grade general music at Pluralistic School One in Santa Monica, where she develops an engaging curriculum incorporating singing, movement, drumming, composition, music literacy, and instrumental performance. She also directs school concerts and musical productions and leads an after-school violin ensemble.
Throughout her career, Dr. Gibson has developed string programs, conducted orchestras, coached chamber ensembles, taught private violin, and produced a wide range of concerts and theatrical performances. She is passionate about creating joyful, inclusive learning environments where every student feels confident taking creative risks and contributing to an ensemble. Dr. Gibson holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Violin Performance and Pedagogy and a Master of Music from Claremont Graduate University, as well as a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from California State University, Long Beach. She has also completed Level I Orff certification.
