Team

Dr. Karyl Kay Carlson is a versatile first-time director, producer, and an educator with a rich background in music, theater, and multimedia storytelling. She holds a doctorate in music conducting from Michigan State University, a masters degree in music education from the University of Illinois, and a bachelor of music from the University of Michigan. As a Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at Illinois State University (2004–2022), she led the premier choral ensembles and conducted monumental choral orchestral works such as Benjamin Britten’s “War Requiem.”  Prior to that she held the Director of Choral Activities Position at Central Washington University. Karyl is proudest to have served as a public school music educator at the New World School of the Arts, Hialeah-Miami Lakes HS, Miami Lakes Junior High in Miami, FL, and Franklin Elementary School in Sterling,IL 

Karyl honed her skills in documentary filmmaking, audio production, and editing at Chicago Filmmakers. Her production experience extends to music management, where she worked with the Matthew Curry Band as a publicist, producer, song arranger, and vocal/acting coach. 

A lifelong learner and educator, Dr. Carlson blends artistic vision with a deep commitment to storytelling and education, making a lasting impact on every project she undertakes. Her documentary, OPUS HML SINGERS: Music Over Time, amplifies the voices of everyday people, sharing impactful stories that deserve and need to be heard by those in positions of influence.