The end of the school year is a bittersweet time at Elemental Music. We love celebrating all of our students and their hard work in our season-end concerts. At the same time, we also know that we have to say goodbye to the seniors enrolled in our programs – many of whom we have known since they were in elementary school.
We are proud to celebrate the amazing students in our Class of 2026. Though their interests and passions are varied, all of them had a home in our programs through their study of music. Keep reading to meet our wonderful graduating seniors!
AALIYAH, VIOLIN
Elemental Music programs: Encore
Attending UC Riverside to major in psychology
Before you graduate, do you have any words of wisdom for the young musicians in our programs? “Enjoy it while it lasts, and practice!!”
What has Elemental Music meant to you? “Elemental Music has given me a space to pursue music despite my family’s financial hardship. I’m so grateful to have been afforded the same opportunities as my musical peers, and it’s all thanks to this program!”
Do you think you will keep music in your life after high school graduation? “Yes. Despite my obstacles with it, it wouldn't feel right to never play again.”
Anything else you’d like to add? “Thank you so much!”
Alex, Violin
Elemental Music programs: Encore
Attending University of Southern California to major in chemistry
Before you graduate, do you have any words of wisdom for the young musicians in our programs? “Practice, practice and practice. Consistent and dedicated effort is the only ingredient you need to succeed. Ultimately, how far you go is in your own hands. No one else can put the work in for you and the effort you invest today will determine the musician you become tomorrow.”
What has Elemental Music meant to you? “Although I haven't been part of Elemental Music for a long time, what has stood out to me the most is the dedication of the staff. Personally, I've had the chance to work with people like Finn Bordal and Nelly Guevara who genuinely care about the students and invest a tremendous amount of time and effort into helping them grow. Their passion is what fosters an environment where students can succeed and it is this level of dedication that makes Elemental Music so special.”
Do you think you will keep music in your life after high school graduation? “Absolutely. I've heard about some of the non-performance music programs and ensembles available at my university. Even if I don't continue performing regularly, music will always be a part of my life. I'll continue listening to it, supporting it, and appreciating the impact it has had on me over the years.”
Daniel, Clarinet
Elemental Music programs: Academy Philharmonic, Chamber Music Institute
Attending UC Berkeley to double major in history and economics
Before you graduate, do you have any words of wisdom for the young musicians in our programs? “Without a doubt, practice! But also, you have the power to make music funny, exciting, dramatic, serious, melancholy. Bring your personality into your performance and have fun playing! *quack* Getting to make music in a high-level group with your friends isn't an opportunity that comes around every day, so make the most of it.”
What has Elemental Music meant to you? “Above all else, Elemental Music has been a place to build community and share my love for music. I am extremely grateful to all of the coaches I've had the pleasure of working with for helping me improve my musicianship and even more so to the musicians who I've gotten to connect and play music at a deeper level with. (Shoutout Sadie and Miko!) Learning how to play in a chamber ensemble has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life, and the musical and communicational skills I've learned at Elemental will be elemental (pun totally intended) to my success in the future.”
Do you think you will keep music in your life after high school graduation? “100%! I've already gotten in contact with Berkeley's Undergraduate Composer's Club and composition professors, and I'd also like to join some of Berkeley's musical ensembles.”
Anything else you’d like to add? “Listen to Dvorak! (Seriously. Hearing Symphony 9 Movement 1 for the first time was a life changing experience for me and the reason why I love classical music so much today.)”
Eleanor, VIOLIN & CELLO
Elemental Music programs: Elemental Strings, Academy Philharmonic, Chamber Music Institute
Attending UC Santa Barbara to major in music performance
Before you graduate, do you have any words of wisdom for the young musicians in our programs? “Even practicing for a few minutes can make a difference if you practice strategically and stay focused. Also, experiment with different kinds of music to find what makes it fun for you!”
What has Elemental Music meant to you? “Elemental Music has been very special to me ever since I started in third grade. It has given me a community and introduced me to many different ways of playing music. Elemental was where I had my first experience playing in an orchestra and was also my introduction to chamber music.”
Do you think you will keep music in your life after high school graduation? “I will definitely keep music in my life after graduating high school. I plan to study violin performance in college and to find other opportunities to play music on both violin and cello!”
EMILY, Guitar
Elemental Music programs: Elemental Guitar, Chamber Music Institute
Attending University of Minnesota to major in chemistry
Before you graduate, do you have any words of wisdom for the young musicians in our programs? “Practicing often is more important than time spent practicing.”
What has Elemental Music meant to you? “It has meant a lot. It is a place I could go to see my friends and make music together.”
Do you think you will keep music in your life after high school graduation? “Yes.”
Fiona, Guitar
Elemental Music programs: Elemental Guitar, Chamber Music Institute
Attending Bryn Mawr College to major in environmental studies
Before you graduate, do you have any words of wisdom for the young musicians in our programs? “Keep practicing! It pays off more than you think it will.”
What has Elemental Music meant to you? “Elemental has always been a place where I can see my friends who I don’t see anywhere else and we can connect over our love for music.”
Do you think you will keep music in your life after high school graduation? “Always!”
Guadalupe, Violin
Elemental Music programs: Prelude, Elemental Strings, Academy Philharmonic, Chamber Music Institute, Encore
Attending UC Davis to major in environmental toxicology
Before you graduate, do you have any words of wisdom for the young musicians in our programs? “Don't worry about the mistakes you make along your music journey because those are the ones that make you a better musician.”
What has Elemental Music meant to you? “Elemental Music has meant a lot for me as a musician and as a person. It has given me the opportunity to express myself in different ways as an introverted person. The community also has given me longtime friendships that I'll forever cherish.”
Do you think you will keep music in your life after high school graduation? “Even though I might not pursue a career in music, I want to continue practicing my violin whether it's for me or through joining an orchestra in college.”
Loa, Violin
Elemental Music programs: Prelude, Elemental Strings, Chamber Music Institute, Encore
Attending Tulane University to major in political science
Before you graduate, do you have any words of wisdom for the young musicians in our programs? “Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Some of the most rewarding moments in music come after you've struggled through something difficult. Keep practicing, stay patient with yourself, and remember that progress doesn't happen overnight. Most importantly, enjoy the journey and the people you meet along the way (and subdivide)!!!!!!”
What has Elemental Music meant to you? “It has been a place where I have grown not only as a musician but also as a person, and where I have always felt supported and encouraged. It has given me opportunities to learn, lead, and connect with others, and build friendships that I will carry with me long after graduation. I have made some of my best friends through Elemental Music, and it has also been a place where I met wonderful teachers and mentors who have encouraged me, supported me, and helped me grow both as a musician and as a person. I am incredibly grateful for all the teachers, mentors, and fellow musicians who have been part of my journey throughout the years.”
Do you think you will keep music in your life after high school graduation? “Absolutely. Music has been part of my life since elementary school, and I definitely plan to bring my violin with me to New Orleans and find ways to stay involved in music throughout college. Whether that means joining an ensemble, playing with other students, or simply continuing to practice on my own, music will always be an important part of my life.”
Anything else you’d like to add? “Thank you to everyone at Elemental Music for everything you have done for me over the years. You helped me develop a love for music that I know will stay with me for the rest of my life. Without Elemental Music, I would not be the musician or person I am today. Your slogan, "We Make Great Music Together," truly reflects the supportive community you have built and the impact you have had on so many students, including me. I am grateful for the experiences, friendships, and memories that I have made here, and I am also grateful for the opportunities Elemental Music has given me. I am excited to carry those lessons with me into this next chapter.”
Sam, Cello
Elemental Music programs: Chamber Music Institute, Encore
Attending University of Wisconsin–Madison to major in computer science
Before you graduate, do you have any words of wisdom for the young musicians in our programs? “Over my years playing the cello, I’ve had a lot of ‘gigs’ for which I was spontaneously asked and given the opportunity to perform in, and although they may seem stressful to fit into the schedule at first, they always ended up being a blast and turning out great. In fact, my discovery of Elemental Music and the pleasure I’ve had being a part of two quartets, a piano trio, and the amazing people who play the instruments (including an older and then two years later, younger brother, shoutout Tennessee), was thanks to their need for a cellist, that I warily accepted. Little did I know at the time that said one decision made on a whim would introduce me to my next three years as a cellist, and this beautiful family I now get to call my own. So, go do that Christmas event, or trustee dinner or small chamber group piece or whatever, because if you can overcome that initial fear, you never know what it may bring.”
What has Elemental Music meant to you? “Put concisely, it IS an irreplaceable part of my identity as a cellist and a person. I can only imagine how much stronger that sense of family would be, had I been aware of Elemental Music earlier in my life. Also, it is such a pressure free environment that it became a place where I could truly and solely focus on enjoying playing the cello, serving as a sanctuary of sorts.”
Do you think you will keep music in your life after high school graduation? “Without a shadow of a doubt. What will probably stay with me for life is the habit to pick up the cello at home and just play for fun.”
Anything else you’d like to add? “Thank you all! I love you guys!”
Sara, Viola
Elemental Music programs: Elemental Strings, Academy Philharmonic, Chamber Music Institute
Attending UC San Diego to major in biological anthropology
Before you graduate, do you have any words of wisdom for the young musicians in our programs? “Practice your instrument! Even though it's not always fun, practicing makes the biggest difference. Also, don't be afraid to ask your teachers questions!”
What has Elemental Music meant to you? “Elemental Music has helped me not only improve my skills but also my confidence as a musician. In addition to this, it has allowed me to explore other types of music that I may not have known about without it. It has taught me to enjoy music and improve while also having fun.”
Do you think you will keep music in your life after high school graduation? “Definitely! I plan on joining an orchestra at UCSD.”
Anything else you’d like to add? “I'm super grateful for all the teachers at Elemental Music who helped me grow as a musician and as a person.”
Tanya, Violin
Elemental Music programs: Elemental Strings, Academy Philharmonic, Encore
Attending UC Riverside
Before you graduate, do you have any words of wisdom for the young musicians in our programs? “One might be doing something because their parents force them. But to actually do it and continue on with that ‘chore’ is the best life lesson there is. You as musicians will have amazing opportunities through music and from experience I’m glad I didn’t leave music. I’ve met some of my favorite people and memories through music and am happy to have been part of this program.”
What has Elemental Music meant to you? “Elemental Music itself was like a little random door in the middle of nowhere that had the biggest room for impact and growth. There in that room I met some great teachers and students who I would fortunately get to see for many years to come, as well as amazing friends and a love for my instrument. Elemental Music is the embodiment of perseverance and dedication and I was able to learn that from a young age. I don’t have enough words to say my thanks to the program and its progress.”
Do you think you will keep music in your life after high school graduation? “I will most definitely keep music in my life after graduation. At the moment, I hope to join a lil’ orchestra for fun at UCR as I truly enjoy playing my instrument.”