top of page
Image-empty-state.png

Carissa Soares

Performer WA

Carissa Soares is a percussionist and educator from Perth, Western Australia. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (1st Class Honours) and a Master of Music degree from the University of Western Australia. Carissa was awarded many accolades during her studies, including the Tunley Scholarship in 2017, the Ewen Prize for Music in 2018, and the Edith Cowan Prize in Music in 2019. That same year, she earned first prize and the People’s Choice award at the inaugural Marimbafest Australia international competition as well as the People’s Choice award at the UWA VOSE Concerto Competition alongside duo partner, Jet Kye Chong.

Carissa has participated in a variety of specialised programs, both as a soloist and ensemble member. Notable experiences include attending a short course with leading percussionist Steven Schick at the Australian National Academy of Music, participating in the Sō Percussion Summer Institute at Princeton University, travelling across China to accompany the West Australian Symphony Orchestra Chorus on timpani, performing alongside internationally acclaimed percussionist Emmanuel Séjourné, and performing with the Australian Youth Orchestra on multiple occasions.

As a versatile freelance musician, Carissa performs regularly with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra, Kaboom Percussion, the Western Australian Philharmonic Orchestra, Perth D2Drumline, and Mosca Duo. In addition to her performance career, Carissa is also a passionate percussion tutor at Presbyterian Ladies’ College, Christ Church Grammar School and Iona Presentation College. Carissa also teaches group music classes at the UWA Conservatorium of Music Junior Music School.

bottom of page