Long Form Bio:

Pianist Charissa Garrigus began studying the instrument at age 4. Her musical journey has taken her through all sorts of genres from playing clarinet in orchestras, small ensembles, and symphonic and marching bands, to jazz piano, accompanying, and (of course) classical piano. She studied piano, music education, and literary studies at the University of Indianapolis, and has numerous years of experience teaching PreK-8th grade general music, band, and choir. She holds a Masters in Musicology from Butler University, completed in 2025.

Currently, Charissa is a full time pianist. She holds the position of Choir Accompanist at Franklin Community High School in addition to collaborating with the Circle City Chamber Choir, Forward Motion, and various other ensembles and engagements around Indianapolis. Charissa keeps up an active solo and collaborative recital and concert schedule, featuring often in concert with Sound Ecologies, an Indy-based arts non-profit she runs with her husband Luke Garrigus.

As a performer and recitalist, Charissa has been honored to premiere both solo and collaborative works of local composers including songs, piano solos, instrumental ensembles, and piano concertos. She has appeared on recordings for the Circle City Chamber Choir, Classical Music Indy, Rob Funkhouser, and Sound Ecologies as well.

Charissa is committed to a lifelong pursuit of her craft. When she’s not working on musical pursuits, Charissa loves to read, drink tea, listen to spooky podcasts, play games, and spend time with her splendid husband, incredible family, pernicious puppies, and lovely friends.

Short Form Bio:

Pianist and musicologist Charissa Garrigus holds a bachelor's degree in music education with a focus on piano from the University of Indianapolis. She has also completed a Masters in Musicology at Butler University, where her research centered on Irish Caoineadh and English death music of the Medieval and Renaissance eras. Alongside her academic work, Charissa is a regularly performing pianist and has been honored to premiere many solo and collaborative works of new composers including songs, piano solos, instrumental ensembles, choral works, and piano concertos. A avid collaborator, Charissa is delighted to have worked with numerous ensembles and organizations including Forward Motion, the Ball State New Music Festival, Sound Ecologies, and the Circle City Chamber Choir to name a few. She has appeared on recordings for the Circle City Chamber Choir, Classical Music Indy and Sound Ecologies—a non-profit organization co-founded by Charissa and her husband in 2020.