Meet Tamara, our Special Events Intern!

This season, Elemental Music is thrilled to welcome Tamara Fetisova as our Special Events Intern through the LA County Arts & Culture Arts Internship Program.

A sophomore studying Film & TV Production at the University of Southern California (USC), Tamara brings a vibrant mix of creativity, dedication, and a deep love for the performing arts to her role at Elemental Music…not to mention, she is teaching our admin team how to take .5 selfies. With her experience in design, production, and her genuine passion for community-centered arts education, Tamara has quickly become an invaluable part of our team. Get to know her in our interview and be sure to introduce yourself next time you see Tamara at one of our events!

Elemental Music: What inspired you to pursue Film & TV Production at USC?

Tamara Fetisova: My dream is to become a production designer. I wanted to pursue a program that would allow me to combine art and film – the two things I enjoy the most, and the two things I would like to pursue professionally. USC was very much a reach school, but the second I visited the campus, I knew it was the place for me and I was willing to do anything to get in. I feel incredibly lucky to have gotten into the program. 

EM: Did you have any early experiences in the arts that shaped who you are today?

TF: For as long as I can remember, the arts were present in my life. I didn’t grow up in a musical family, but I am incredibly grateful to my parents for encouraging me to incorporate music into my life from a very early age. I went to a school with an emphasis in theater and musical performance, so the very first few things I learned were stage performance, singing, dance, and how to play an instrument. I think it’s very funny that when my six year old self was asked what instrument I wanted to play for the rest of my life, I answered with no hesitation that I would like to play the flute. Ever since then, I have been playing an instrument. Despite having moved two countries, and majoring in something unrelated to music, playing the flute has been a constant in my life. It grounds me, it pushes me, and it makes me who I am as a performer, an artist, and as a person.

EM: What drew you to Elemental Music and the Special Events Internship?

TF: My love for performing arts, specifically music, is what drew me to this internship, but beyond that, it was really Elemental Music’s goal of making music education accessible to students of all backgrounds that made me want to become a part of this organization. I think music education is an incredibly important factor in shaping children’s development, and in my opinion, any interest in pursuing music should be encouraged and enabled.

As I mentioned earlier, I had the privilege of growing up with music as a big part of my life, and I want to give back by helping this organization provide the same opportunity to other students. Everyone deserves to do what they love, especially if it’s something as powerful and important as music.

EM: What are you most excited to work on during your time with us?

TF:  I am very excited to work on the Tasting Notes Gala, especially the fundraising part. I am very eager to learn about the logistics of organizing and executing such a large-scale event. I am learning so much about the various aspects of the organizing process, the parties involved, and I can’t wait to be there to assist on the day and see how everything comes together.

EM: What has been the most meaningful part of your internship so far?

TF: The most meaningful aspect of my internship with Elemental Music has been getting to know the families and the Elemental Music community. My favorite part is helping out at the community events, like our Welcome Picnic in October, or the Movie and Game nights. Being able to interact with the students and their parents has allowed me to share my love for music with like-minded people.

EM: What has stood out to you about Elemental Music’s students, families, or community?

TF: What stands out to me the most is the level of involvement and commitment both from students and their families. For example, I have been incredibly impressed with the middle school student mentors who display an incredible amount of maturity and understanding when it comes to the learning of younger students. They show up to rehearsal and not only assist the instructors, but show their eagerness to learn and participate, which in turn encourages the younger students to do the same.

When it comes to Elemental Music families, I was so amazed at the amount of community involvement, and the time and effort parents are willing to put into various events. Whether it is giving out chocolate chip cookies at the recitals, or helping students fold blankets after the Movie Night, every contribution means the world because it helps shape the Elemental Music community and keep it so welcoming.

EM: How has the LA County Arts Internship Program supported your growth?

TF: This program exposed me to so many aspects of the arts, especially in the LA area. From the intern events, to the on-site work at Elemental Music, I have learned so much about the role the arts play in the Santa Monica communities and across Los Angeles. 

I have already grown as a person through the independence this program allowed me to exercise, and the various skills I am acquiring in my time at Elemental Music.

EM: What is one moment from your time at EM that made you smile so far?

TF: There have been so many instances that I look back on and smile, so it is very hard to choose. If I had to pick one, it would be the moment when the family of a student recognized me when I was helping out at the Encore recitals. Earlier in the season, I had the pleasure of meeting their son and getting to know their family a little bit at the Welcome Picnic, and it made me incredibly happy that they remembered me. What made this moment so impactful is that it made me feel like I truly am a part of the Elemental Music community, and what I do does matter. I am looking forward to more interactions with the families - it is truly my favorite part of this internship.    

EM: If you could describe your time at Elemental Music in three words, what would they be?

TF: My Music Family. 

I think it is incredibly rare to find a community which feels like a big family rather than a workplace. I feel so incredibly grateful that I got to work with people who encourage me to do my best, and be my best self. There is so much passion shared between everyone who is a part of Elemental Music to make music education available to everyone, and that shared goal fuels the amazing relationships within this organization. 

I am very thankful to everyone I had the privilege of working with for making me wish this was my full-time job, and for the home away from home that I was able to find in the Elemental Music community.

EM: What is a fun fact about you that most people don’t know?

TF: I would say a fun fact about me is that I am a writer and performer in a sketch comedy troupe at USC called “The Suspenders”. We put on 6 shows every semester which are composed of all original sketches that we write, re-write, and rehearse for months prior to the shows. 

EM: What is your favorite way to unwind after a long day of classes or creating?

TF: I wish I could say something sophisticated like reading poetry, or listening to classical music, or even watching films to enrich my own artistic palette, but I have to be honest and go with something completely separate from music, and the world of performing arts as a whole. I absolutely love going to the gym. Exercise is such a huge part of my life, and there is nothing better than getting on a treadmill and pretending like I am on a Vogue runway while the most embarrassing songs are blasting in my ears.