Karyl Carlson is a musician, educator, and filmmaker based in Grandview, WA. Raised in Redford Township, Detroit, MI, she had a comprehensive public school music education. A proud graduate of Redford Union High School, Dr. Carlson continued studying music at the University of Michigan, the University of Illinois, and Michigan State University.

Karyl has played piano, sung, lived and taught choral music from corner-to-corner – from south Florida to central WA. Her extensive teaching career as Dir. of Choral Activities concluded 2 years ago at Illinois State University in Normal, IL. From 1997 - 2004, she served in the same role at Central Washington University, An accomplished recitalist, Karyl has performed chamber music across the US, in Asia, Europe, and Russia. She has sung at Carnegie Hall several times, she makes her conducting debut there in March of 2026.

Currently, Karyl is working on “OPUS HML: Making a Life”, a documentary short, concerning the humanistic and social imperative to foster music education programs in our schools. Karyl lives in Grandview with her two dogs, loves sewing, video-editing, and gardening. (Good thing, she’s happily married to the amazing ag-guy, Don Waddle!)

Karyl is compelled to heal humanity, or at least give it a go, from the inside by ensuring future generations have access to creative opportunities in safe spaces.

For REVOLVE inquiries, please contact her at 509Revolve@gmail.com