Carisa has been studying music for over 22 years. She fell in love with music in 2003 when she picked up her first instrument. The obsession with guitar and drums quickly followed. For two years, Carisa spent her weekends at open mic nights honing her craft in drum performance. In 2010, she joined the local punk band, Oh God No. Oh God No was a front-runner on the local music scene. They visited the stages of Joes Grotto, Big Fish Pub, Club Red, Hollywood Alley, and more! Carisa moved to Los Angeles  in 2012 to attend one of the most prestigious drum programs in the world. At Musicians Institute she studied under some of the nations most renowned instructors such as Ryan Brown, Charlie Waymire and Albe Bonacci.

While studying at The Musicians Institute, Carisa formed Talking 2 Trees, an alternative/indie project. They performed their vast repertoire of original music at multiple venues throughout Los Angeles and Phoenix. Carisa also managed and played drums for a Los Angeles wedding band, The Ever Afters.

With this broad set of experiences and instruction, Carisa has developed a vast range of skills in percussion and performance.  Through her studies at the Musicians Institute, she developed jazz drum technique as well as, contemporary drum concepts, advanced reading, and playing techniques.

After her studies at MI, Carisa attended UCLA briefly to gain knowledge in music business and production. Carisa has since returned to Arizona to settle down and start a family. Most recently, she has been teaching in the East Valley/Phoenix metropolitan area. She has had the opportunity to teach, at all levels, to students ages 7-75.

Carisa enjoys inspiring students to be their best selves and is grateful to be part of their musical journey.