Mrs. Elyssa Havey-Carpenter

Elyssa Carpenter, a celebrated musician and dedicated educator, has carved a remarkable path in the world of music from a young age. Her passion and talent have earned her recognition, including the Influential Woman Award in 2019 and top honors in perfromance competitions such as the 1st Place Watson Competition in 2017 and the 1st Place UOP Chamber Competition in 2018.

A versatile performer, Elyssa performs on the stages of a variety of esteemed orchestras and ensembles, including the Auburn Symphony, Sacramento Philharmonic, Broadway Sacramento, and Placer Pops Chorale. Her repertoire spans from classical to contemporary, showcased in collaborations with renowned groups like Listeso Music Group, Romanza Quartet, and the Tower Quartet.

Beyond her performances, Elyssa is deeply committed to music education. With over a decade of teaching experience, she imparts her expertise to aspiring musicians, instilling in them not just technical prowess but also a deep love for music. Her dedication to pedagogy is evident in her pursuit of becoming a Suzuki Master Teacher, complemented by her training in body mapping and bow techniques.

Elyssa’s influence extends beyond the classroom, as she works closely with local school orchestras and the Sacramento Youth Symphony, nurturing the next generation of musical talent. Her students have flourished under her guidance, earning placements at prestigious institutions worldwide, including the University of Madrid, Interlochen, Cal Poly, Sacramento State University, and UC Davis.

Rooted in her upbringing in Japan, where she was surrounded and mentored by esteemed Suzuki master teachers, Elyssa’s musical journey is deeply enriched by her unique and unorthodox upbringing. As a past representative for the National String Project Consortium and a founding member of Music Beyond Borders non-profit, she actively advocates for music education accessibility and cultural exchange.