Winner of the Southwest Symphony
Solo Competition
Founder and CEO of the California Youth Music Competition
Viola Private Lesson Instructor at the Quad City Symphony Orchestra
Born and raised in Taiwan, Ellie Welker is a violist who lives for performing. She began her musical journey at the age of 5 when she started playing piano. A year later she began playing the violin, but she ultimately switched to the viola at the age of 9.
Ellie earned her Bachelor’s degree in Viola Performance from Taipei National University of the Arts in 2018, serving as the associate principle violist for two years. In 2022, she obtained a Graduate Certificate from the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music under the tutelage of Ms. Karen Dreyfus.
Since graduating, Ellie has been actively performing around the world. In 2023, she won the Southwest Symphony Solo Competition and was invited to play with the orchestra in a concert series. She recently performed with the Asian super star, JJ Lin during his JJ20 World Tour. She was also involved in recording a song for JJ Lin's newest album "Happily, Painfully After". Other experiences include opening for Jenny Oaks Baker in Taiwan and performing a solo recital for the President of Taiwan, Tsai Ing Wen. She has also collaborated with Hollywood artists Christopher Young, Zedd, Conrad Pope, Angel Velez, and Troy Laureta. Venues that she has performed at include the Segerstrom Center of the Arts, MGM Grand Garden Arena, Barclays Center, Accor Arena Paris, OVO Arena Wembley, etc.
In addition to her performing career, Ellie is passionate about teaching. She has served as the substitute string teaching artist at the Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA) and has established her own studio, nurturing young musicians over the years. She also teaches as a private instructor with the Quad City Symphony Orchestra. Ellie has participated in various ensembles, including the American Youth Symphony, Downey Symphony, and Millennial Choirs & Orchestras.
In 2023, Ellie founded the California Youth Music Competition to provide a platform for students aged 5-17 to showcase their talents.
Ellie currently resides in Iowa City, Iowa, with her family, while her husband is completing his JD degree at the University of Iowa. She enjoys playing music, spending time with her family, and exploring the Midwest.
