• Bachelor of Music & Piano Performance, Whitman College

Ella Yuen

General Piano Studies  |  Advanced Classical Studies

Ella Yuen began playing piano at a young age, first exploring the instrument alongside her father before starting formal lessons at age seven. She recently graduated from Whitman College, where she earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in both English and Music (Piano Performance) with honors, studying with Dr. Tom Hicks and Dr. Rodolfo Faistauer. Ella currently continues her studies with Dr. Ronaldo Rolim at the University of Puget Sound and has participated in masterclasses with renowned pedagogues including Boris Berman and Sylvia Tereza. As a performer, she has enjoyed a wide variety of collaborative experiences, including playing harpsichord continuo for choir and orchestra, serving as rehearsal pianist for Walla Walla Summer Theater’s production of Beauty and the Beast, and performing in chamber ensembles such as the Coffee Table Quartet. She also has a special interest in historical performance practice and uplifting women composers, and has contributed to research on composer Elfrida Andrée.

Ella believes that every student brings something unique to their musical journey, and she enjoys getting to know each student in order to tailor lessons to their individual goals and interests. She aims to create a balanced approach that builds strong technical skills while also encouraging creativity, curiosity, and personal expression. Ella values helping students understand the story and context behind the music they play, while also giving them the freedom to explore their own interpretations. She emphasizes thoughtful, effective practice habits, and works with students to develop strategies that make practicing both productive and enjoyable.

Outside of piano, Ella enjoys playing flute and tenor saxophone, drawing, playing video games, and participating in local anime conventions.