Musical Director and Accompanist
Office Location: ASC 281
(205) 975-7227
Research and Teaching Interests: Musical Theatre Studies
Office Hours: By appointment
Education:
- B.S., Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Music Education (Piano Major/Voice Minor)
Our resident Musical Director and Accompanist, Carolyn, a two-time Tony Award nominee and Broadway Producer, boasts an impressive background as both an educator and a conductor. Holding a BS in Music Education and a Certification in Elementary Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, she accumulated over two decades of teaching experience in Pennsylvania public schools, earning recognition as the PA District 3 Music Teacher of the Year in 1984. Her expertise extends to guest conducting for various high school choral music festivals, and she continues to be in demand for musical theatre master classes. She was the recipient of a 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award from her alma mater, Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Her journey into the professional theatre world began after her success in education. Carolyn spent four years as the conductor for Disney's Beauty and the Beast, traveling the country and performing in all fifty states, most major cities, and all Canadian provinces. Her involvement extended to conducting tours of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and The Goodbye Girl, as well as playing in the pits for productions like Wicked, The Color Purple, and Spamalot.
Notably, Carolyn's current project is her role as Co-Producer for the new musical Chasing Rainbows: The Road to Oz, a production that delves into Judy Garland's life before Oz. This show has received recognition with performances at Flat Rock Playhouse, Goodspeed Opera House, and Papermill Theatre. In July 2017, a Developmental Lab was conducted at the New 42nd Street Studios in NYC, and in 2023, a workshop staged reading took place in London, UK, further solidifying the show's potential and impact.
Beyond her educational and conducting achievements, Carolyn has an impressive track record as a Broadway Producer. She has contributed to productions such as Hello Dolly (starring Bette Midler), Tootsie (starring Santino Fontana), Betrayal (starring Tom Hiddleston), A Taste of Things to Come, New York, New York (featuring music by John Kander and additional music by Lin-Manuel Miranda), and Once Upon A One More Time (featuring the music of Britney Spears and starring Justin Guarini).
In 2023 Carolyn had three shows on Broadway simultaneously, two of which received Tony Award nominations: New York, New York (Best Musical) and Fat Ham (Best Play). Her expertise in Musical Direction earned her two achievement awards from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival for her work on Godspell in 2022 and A New Brain in 2023. Additionally, she was voted the Best Musical Director in Birmingham, Alabama by Broadwayworld.com in 2015.
Carolyn Violi is a proud member of MAESTRA.