Get to know Mobile Music Lessons faculty member Elaina Steenson! Learn more about her on our faculty page. Read more faculty spotlights on our blog.
Q: How did you get started playing your instrument(s)?
A: Since both my parents were music majors in college, I’ve been surrounded by music from an early age. My parents enrolled me in piano lessons when I was in first or second grade. When I was in fourth grade I went to an orchestra concert and there was a viola solo, right after the solo I whispered to my mom that I wanted to learn that instrument, a week or so later we rented a viola and I started viola lessons. Since then I’ve picked up other instruments that interested me, including the violin, ukulele and flute!
Q: Do you have a favorite piece or composer, and why are they your favorite?
A: My all time favorite composer is Dmitri Shostakovich. Whether or not he truly was resistant to Stalin’s oppressive rule through his music, he has always been intriguing to me. But even more so, Shostakovich’s music has always given me hope amidst chaos and connection amidst disunity. In particular, Shostakovich’s Eighth Symphony and Eighth Quartet both express pure and unfiltered emotion that are a great glimpse of the power of music.
Q: Why is music so important to you?
A: Music can be so many things. It’s a place you can get lost in, like when you’re reading your favorite book. It can be a way to communicate with others or build a community. Music also teaches collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity.
Q: Tell us about your teaching philosophy.
A: One of the things I prioritize with my students is fostering an appreciation of music and the arts. I think it is important to create a foundation that students can build on in all aspects of life.
Q: Why are you happy to be a part of MML?
A: I really appreciate the community and the flexibility MML offers both its families and its teachers.