ELISE SKAGGS grew up in Columbus, Ohio, beginning her studies in violin at three years old. Known for her outgoing viola style and strong tone, Elise plays with many major ensembles and theater companies throughout central Ohio including ProMusica, Opera Project Columbus, Columbus Children’s Theater, Shadowbox Live!, and Imagine Productions. She has performed in ensembles in multiple countries including China, Italy, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Denmark, and the Czech Republic. Elise enjoys a dynamic career both as a busy performer and a thriving teacher with Suzuki Music Columbus. She received a Master of Music in performance/pedagogy from the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University. She also earned a Bachelor of Music in viola performance and a Bachelor of Art in strategic communications from Miami University. Principal teachers include Victoria Chiang, Mary Harris, Erika Eckert, and Choon-Jin Chang. Elise currently performs as a professional member of New Albany Symphony, where she is also on staff as librarian. Beyond being a professional musician, Elise works at the Columbus School for Girls in administration. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking and being a cat mom.