Carmen grew up in a musical family and first began studying cello when she was 12 years old. She studied cello at the Simón Bolívar Music Conservatory and at the University Institute of Musical Studies in Caracas, Venezuela. She came to Pittsburgh in 2002 for further studies at Duquesne University where she earned her Master’s degree in Music Performance. Carmen has more than 20 years experience teaching cello and is certified in Musikgarten and as a Suzuki Cello Instructor. In addition to her work as a cello teacher, Carmen is a certified Montessori teacher.

Carmen currently plays with the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra and the Butler Symphony Orchestra. She toured with a variety of youth orchestras throughout South America including one with a young Gustavo Dudamel as conductor. She has twice participated in the Soesterberg International Music Festival in Holland.

Carmen has studied with Luis Eduardo Gomez, Miguel Rojas, William Molina, Misha Quint, and Pamela Davenport.

Carmen lives in Pittsburgh with her husband, an oboe player, and their daughter, a singer and recorder, piano, and cello student.