Carolyn Justifus

Carolyn Justifus began her musical journey at age 8 after receiving a toy piano, which quickly sparked a lasting interest in music. She went on to study piano through a mix of recreation center lessons and private instruction through high school, building a strong foundation in classical piano. In college, she was introduced to guitar through an elective course and has continued to self-teach and expand her skills on the instrument. She also holds ABRSM Piano and Theory certifications through Grade 7 and has experience performing in ensemble settings, including participation in the UGA Chamber Music Society.

Her teaching approach is highly individualized, with a strong focus on student interests, goals, and motivation. She believes lessons are most effective when students are learning music that feels meaningful to them, rather than only method book material, and she adapts instruction to fit each learner’s pace and learning style. Carolyn emphasizes creativity alongside technique, incorporating activities like composition, ear training, and exploration of real songs to build well-rounded musicianship. She also prioritizes encouragement and recognizes progress and effort as essential parts of learning.

Outside of teaching, Carolyn enjoys playing piano and guitar and continues to develop her skills in music production using Ableton. She also enjoys a range of creative hobbies, including painting, embroidery, and working with natural materials like dried flowers and leaves.

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