Carolyn Mills was born on May 12, 1985, in New York City. She grew up in a family of musicians, with her mother being a pianist and her father a cellist. From a young age, Mills showed a natural talent for music and began taking piano lessons at the age of four. As Mills grew older, she began to explore other instruments and eventually settled on the harp. She was drawn to the instrument's unique sound and the challenge of mastering its complex technique. Mills began taking harp lessons at the age of eight and quickly became a prodigious talent. Mills attended the Juilliard School in New York City, where she studied under the renowned harpist Nancy Allen. She graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree in 2007 and went on to pursue a Master of Music degree at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. Throughout her studies, Mills began to gain recognition for her exceptional talent. She won numerous competitions, including the American Harp Society's National Competition and the Young Concert Artists International Auditions. Mills also received the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant in 2012, which is awarded to outstanding young musicians who show exceptional promise for a career in classical music. Mills has performed with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. She has also collaborated with many renowned conductors, such as Alan Gilbert, Michael Tilson Thomas, and Simon Rattle. One of Mills' most memorable performances was her debut with the New York Philharmonic in 2010. She performed the Harp Concerto by Alberto Ginastera, which was met with critical acclaim. The New York Times praised Mills' "dazzling technique and musicality," and hailed her as "one of the most exciting young harpists of her generation." Mills has also made a name for herself as a chamber musician. She has performed with many esteemed ensembles, including the Emerson String Quartet and the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. Mills is a founding member of the harp and flute duo, Duo Scorpio, which has gained a following for its innovative programming and virtuosic performances. In addition to her performing career, Mills is also a dedicated teacher. She has taught at the Juilliard School and the Curtis Institute of Music, and has given masterclasses around the world. Mills is passionate about passing on her knowledge and experience to the next generation of musicians. Throughout her career, Mills has remained committed to expanding the repertoire for the harp. She has commissioned and premiered numerous works by contemporary composers, including Nico Muhly, Missy Mazzoli, and Andrew Norman. Mills is also an advocate for the harp in non-classical genres, and has collaborated with artists such as Björk and Philip Glass. Mills' dedication to her craft and her innovative approach to the harp have earned her a place among the most respected musicians of her generation. She continues to inspire audiences and fellow musicians alike with her virtuosic performances and commitment to pushing the boundaries of classical music.

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