Teaching Artist
Elise Mark is a musician, performer, educator and entrepreneur with expertise in creating community through music and storytelling. On and off the stage, Elise uses her compelling voice and empathy to connect to audiences and students alike.
As a teacher of music and performance skills to students of all ages and levels, Elise has the aptitude and professional background to show students the capabilities of their own musicianship and creativity. Whether the student is at an elementary level, or a professional Blues singer, Elise gives each of her students the tools to find freedom of expression, and encouragement to find their own artistic voices.
Recently, Elise has produced community concerts including a Community Concert in the Fishtown neighborhood of Philadelphia at the Drummers Jazz Club, which featured professional musicians and ensembles, student performances, and a community singalong open to all. She also produced an Art Song Workshop performance at The Common Room in Philadelphia, featuring performances and education on classical art songs from the Classical and Romantic periods. In her past work as a teaching artist with Opera Philadelphia, Elise introduced Philadelphia public schools students to opera, showing them what it is and how it can relate to their lives.
Elise is particularly interested in accessing diverse populations and using her background as a classically trained soprano to make classical music relevant, and especially opera, accessible to a wider audience. Elise frequently produces unique programs and concerts for the community that include professional musicians, amateur students, and elements of education and engagement.
Not only is Elise interested in introducing classical music to wider audiences, but Elise is also interested in breaking down walls and barriers for people to become musicians in their own right. She is the co-creator and host of My So-Called Opera Life, a podcast with a mission to connect, inform, inspire, and empower musicians everywhere.
