Hello and welcome to Simple Gifts! My name is Elyse and I am a double strung harpist, violist and Certified Clinical Music Intern.

I began my musical journey when I started playing the viola at the age of 9 in my elementary school orchestra. Since then I have had the opportunity to perform in some of the world's best concert halls alongside many extraordinary artists and musicians. After graduating from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music with a Masters in viola performance, I became a professional orchestral, chamber, event and studio musician in the Bay Area.

After 10 plus years of performing on big stages and contributing to the massive and magical sound of large symphonic works, I found myself wondering if there were other ways I could make an impact with my music. I felt something was missing. I had an urge to provide music to people on a deeper and more personal level.

Several years ago, I stumbled across an article about a Chicago hospital using acoustic, live music for patients in their neurology ward. This is how I first discovered the fieldof therapeutic music and the accredited training programs for musicians who wish to pursue it. I began my journey at Harp for Healing, an in-depth certification program designed to teach musicians the science and art of healing music played at the bedside. I quickly fell in love with the exquisite, seemingly magical power of the harp and have been passionate about the instrument ever since. A certified therapeutic music intern completing my bedside practicum at various hospice and healthcare facilities, I also spend time arranging and recording pop music for my little Double Strung harp.

I hold an Artist Diploma from the San Francisco Academy Orchestra, a Master of Music degree from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, and a BM from the University of Denver’s Lamont School of Music. I continue to play viola with numerous Bay Area ensembles including the Santa Cruz Symphony, Symphony San Jose and Peninsula Symphony.