About Karlyn

Karlyn Leo Clarence is a multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, composer, and educator based in the Bay Area. Her approach to music education is rooted in a belief that individual creativity is an empowering and healing force. Since the early 2000s she has taught music and other arts at a variety of public and independent schools, as a private music lessons teacher, and as a creator of specialized extracurricular programs. She is inspired by music’s capacity to build resilience and connection.

Karlyn studied viola performance at the University of Minnesota, North Indian classical viola and voice at the Ali Akbar College of Music in San Rafael, California; composition and modern improvisation on viola at Mills College, where she was a recipient of the presidential viola performance scholarship; and baroque viola performance at UC Berkeley, where she was the recipient of a research fellowship for her work on musicology and law. She currently performs, records, and tours with her own music and as a member of a variety of other musical projects.

Karlyn also has extensive experience working in music with individuals with learning differences and trauma. She also has experience working in special education, working on crisis and warm lines, as a medical caregiver, and in community grief work, for which she also makes music.