Alumni Focus: La Dolce Vita

UGA Alum Caroline Leigh Halleck's Journey to Italy

This January, the Hugh Hodgson School of Music welcomes back one of its own. Caroline Leigh Halleck graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2017 with a Bachelor of Music in saxophone performance. Her time at UGA, including the Italy Music Study Abroad program, changed her direction to where she is today.

Halleck described her study abroad experience as “So much fun; a bit messy. But also, that’s Italy! I had the opportunity to balance the saxophone program with [Connie] Frigo, while also attending conducting courses with [Jaclyn] Hartenberger.” As a first-year college student, Halleck found it “thrilling to be able to perform in new settings and immerse myself in a completely different culture. It was a nice blend of musical growth, cultural discovery, and unforgettable memories.”

It was on that trip that Halleck first encountered Marco Albonetti, who taught one of the master classes during her trip. “I moved to Italy to pursue my master’s degree at the Conservatory of Trento, studying under Albonetti. During that time, I formed a saxophone quartet, and we decided to continue working together by enrolling in a chamber music program. Unfortunately, the pandemic disrupted those plans, and we eventually disbanded. By then, however, I had already fallen in love with life in Italy and decided to stay.”

Halleck completed a Master of Music in Saxophone Performance at F.A. Bonporti Conservatorio di Trento, Italy in 2021. Two years later,  she completed a Master in Chamber Music at the Fondazione Accademia Internazionale di Imola ‘Incontri col Maestro’, Italy. Along the way, Halleck also completed a Certificate in Digital Media and Marketing from Duke University’s Office of Continuing Studies in 2021.

“I’ve really embraced the freedom that comes with a more freelance lifestyle. I live just outside of Bologna in the region of Emilia Romagna. The quality of life here is excellent, and the cost of living is very manageable, which allows me to focus on my music and teaching. I’m fortunate to travel regularly between Italy and the U.S. for concerts and to visit family. It’s the best of both worlds—and it gives my family a great excuse to come visit me in Italy!”

Halleck currently teaches saxophone at La Scuola di Musica Malerbi in Lugo, the Officina della Musica in Ravenna, and the Accademia InArte in Forlì. In addition to teaching private saxophone lessons and working as a freelance musician, she works as a remote social media manager for several U.S.-based companies. “I’m also actively involved in the International SaxArts Festival, where I contribute to the organization, alongside artistic director Marco Albonetti. It’s a dynamic mix of teaching, performing, and collaborating that keeps my work both fulfilling and diverse.”

“I believe the best teachers equip you with the tools to teach yourself, and that’s exactly what I gained at UGA,” said Halleck  “Like any musician, I’ve had my share of highs and lows, including moments where I questioned whether I should continue pursuing this path. My time at UGA gave me the clarity to understand what I truly wanted and reminded me why I love music so deeply. That passion, instilled and nurtured during my studies, has been my anchor through challenges and uncertainties, and it continues to drive me forward in my career.”

During her time at UGA, Halleck was also in the Redcoat Marching Band for two years. “[Redcoats] was an absolute blast and is such a great way to meet people and feel like you’re part of a family right from the start.

“The collaborative environment at UGA was equally influential. I learned just as much from my peers and older students as I did from my teachers. Brandon Quarles (now assistant professor of saxophone at UGA) was two years ahead of me and, along with other classmates who are too many to name here, had a huge impact on my growth. Greg Hankins was the first pianist I ever worked with, and I learned so much just from rehearsing with him. It’s been exciting to reconnect and collaborate again. UGA provided a rich and inspiring environment, full of people and opportunities that definitely helped shape the direction of my career.”

Looking ahead, Halleck is identifying opportunities to develop music projects and collaborations she is passionate about. “I’m focused on expanding the music projects I’m passionate about. In addition to saxophone and piano collaborations, I’m currently deeply invested in two other projects: one featuring saxophone and choir with music by Guillermo Lago, and another that combines music and visual art with Alessandro Roma. Collaborating with inspiring artists and musicians like these is energizing, and I’m especially excited about continuing to explore multidisciplinary projects that bridge different art forms. Creating platforms that bring artists together and celebrate innovative collaborations feels like a natural next step for me.

I’ve found that what matters most is having the passion and persistence to keep going. For me, the goal is about creating inspiring projects and programs that provide enriching experiences that help me grow as a person and sharing meaningful moments with both other musicians and the audience. Outside of music, I’m someone who loves to travel and connect with nature. If I can continue to explore the world, pursue what brings me joy, and spend time with the people I love, I’ll feel truly successful.”

Caroline Leigh Halleck Residency

Master Class in Edge Recital Hall
Wednesday, January 22 at 6:30 p.m.

Recital with Greg Hankins in Ramsey Concert Hall
Thursday, January 23 at 7:30 p.m.