Faculty Profiles

Elva has taught at The Music Center since 2021 while living in Michigan and attending Michigan State University. She now teaches virtually for the center from her home in Hartford, Connecticut. Since 2016, Elva has taught flute lessons in private and group settings to students from elementary through university ages with diverse backgrounds and music goals. Passionate about teaching and invested in her students, she fosters strong flute-playing fundamentals and creates a positive space for students to learn and express themselves. An equally active performer, Elva has played with the Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra, New Britain Symphony Orchestra, California Solisti Chamber Orchestra, and numerous collegiate orchestras and chamber ensembles. She has also performed in masterclasses for Emmanuel Pahud, Anne Zentner, Jennifer Gunn, Michael Cox, and Hannah Hammel. Originally from Southern California, Elva credits her love for music to the 4th grade when she was ‘obnoxiously obsessed’ with the recorder. “So when 5th grade rolled around, flute seemed like the next reasonable instrument to learn in band class — and it was shiny,” she adds. Another formative memory was Elva’s first time playing for her youth orchestra in high school. “We played Dvorak’s New World Symphony at Walt Disney Concert Hall, which was so much fun,” Elva explains. “I remember thinking how great it would be if this could be my career.” Today, Elva passes on her love for the flute to her students, adding that being a musician is a never-ending yet rewarding process of problem-solving, unlearning, and relearning how to play your instrument. She earned a Bachelor of Music at UC Irvine, studying with Patricia Cloud, and a Master in Music in Flute Performance at Michigan State University, studying with Richard Sherman. A devout cat lover, Elva enjoys visiting coffee shops, trying different cuisines, and hiking.