Lisa R. Caravan, is an Assistant Professor of Music Teaching and Learning at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY, where she teaches undergraduate and graduate courses, supervises student teachers, and advises graduate research. Her previous positions include Assistant Professor of Music (string education) at Bucknell University and Auburn University.
Dr. Caravan is an experienced performer in a variety of settings, with focus on chamber music and orchestral. She performs with the Paragon Ragtime Orchestra, an internationally recognized professional ensemble that specializes in “America’s Original Music.” Recently, she recorded with Paragon on their latest CD, Black Manhattan, Volume. 3. Dr. Caravan served as principal cellist of the Williamsport Symphony Orchestra and was previously assistant principal cellist in the Binghamton Philharmonic. She has performed with numerous orchestras including Charleston Symphony, Columbus Symphony (GA), and Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. Dr. Caravan has collaborated with numerous performers including pianists Kevin Moore and Sar Shalom Strong, clarinetist/saxophonist Ronald L. Caravan and Todd Wilson, Head of the Organ Department at The Cleveland Institute of Music. She has performed with clarinetist Dr. David Odom and pianist Dr. Jeremy Samolesky as the Plains Trio in Alabama, New York, and Oklahoma. She has also performed in Paris and London with members of the Weis Trio.
As a sought-after clinician, she has been invited to work with orchestra ensembles regionally, nationally, and internationally in London, UK and Perth, Australia. She spent three years as the music director for the Auburn (AL) youth orchestra program and taught instrumental music to students in grades 4-9 in Fairport Central Schools (NY) and Brighton Central schools (NY). Dr. Caravan has presented her research at state, regional and national conferences including the American String Teachers Association, College Music Society, Suzuki Association of Americas Conference, National Association for Music Education Eastern Division Conference, New York State School Music Association, and others. Her research interests include music teacher preparation, cello pedagogy, and 21st century practice pedagogy.
Dr. Caravan earned a Bachelor of Music degree in music education and cello performance from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. Caravan is also a graduate of the Eastman School of Music of the University of Rochester, where she earned Master of Music degree in performance and literature, Orchestral Studies Diploma and Doctor of Musical Arts in Music Education. At Eastman she studied with Alan Harris, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Violoncello. Dr. Caravan is the first recipient of the Donald Shetler Music Education Prize and received a Teaching Assistant Prize for Excellence in Teaching.