About

It all started when…

Elyse began playing the viola at 9 in her elementary school music program. When her Dad asked her to choose between the violin or the viola (because he thought the cello would be to big) she asked what everyone does..“What’s the difference?” After explaining the unique role of the viola, Elyse immediately felt called to the instrument. After hearing it’s rich, dark sound, she was hooked. Since then, Elyse has gone on to perform all over the world. Since settling in San Francisco, she has had the opportunity to play with artists such as Josh Groban, Michael Buble, Father John Misty, Portugal. The Man, Il Divo, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Evanescence and Il Volo.

Elyse is a member of the Indie folk rock band Hunters Chorus, who she has recorded three albums with— “The Boy Ain’t Right”, “Live at the Atomic Garden” and “The Ping Pong Ball Career Center.” These albums can be found on Bandcamp and Spotify. http://www.hunterschorus.com She can also be heard with The Robin Yukiko band on the album “Love War” and Redwood Tango Ensemble’s “We Become the Night Sky” vol. I and II.

An avid orchestral musician, Elyse has played with many orchestras throughout the country, including The Colorado Symphony, Symphony San Jose, Santa Rosa, Berkeley, Monterey, California, Santa Cruz, Stockton and Modesto Symphonies. She has also performed with the National Repertory Orchestra, New World Symphony, National Orchestral Institute Festival Orchestra, Lake Tahoe Music Festival and Mendocino Festival Orchestras. She continues to play regularly with many of these orchestras and is a member of the Santa Cruz Symphony, and is Principal Violist of the Peninsula Symphony.

Elyse earned her Artist Diploma in orchestral studies in 2016 from the San Francisco Academy Orchestra. As the winner of their 2015 Concerto Competition, she performed as a soloist with them in their 2016 season finale concert. She holds an M.M from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and a B.M from the University of Denver.  She is currently training to become a Certified Clinical Musician through the Harps for Healing program.

When not performing or teaching, Elyse enjoys reading, martial arts, taking long walks with her dog, playing the harp and eating delicious vegan food.