Elise Blake joined the violin faculty of the String Academy at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music in Fall 2026 and previously served on the string faculty of Mary Baldwin University in Staunton, VA. She has also taught, given masterclasses, and presented recitals at Montclair State University (NJ), James Madison University (VA), University of Virginia, and University of North Carolina at Greensboro, among others.
Blake was named a recipient of the Fellowship in Violin Pedagogy from Heifetz International Music Institute during the program’s first year, and participated in the 2026 Indiana University Jacobs School of Music Retreat for Violin and Viola Teachers. She has coached for many youth orchestra programs including DC Youth Orchestra Program and Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra, and also worked on a unique program with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) to bring violin instruction to recent refugees as part of IRC’s community integration and service mission.
In the studio and beyond, Blake’s approach to teaching is rooted in her excellent mentors, and in her own performance, practice, and journey. In 2021, she did an ABC TV interview about her recovery from the long-term neurological effects of COVID-19 which initially made it difficult for her to play the violin after returning home from the hospital. Once her performance abilities returned, Blake worked with The Iris Music Project, integrating professional musicians within retirement communities, nursing homes, and other healthcare institutions in the DC area. She continues to pass on her own lessons in patience, resiliency, and movement to her current students, and encourages individuals to use their musical gifts to lift up others.
Originally from Seacoast New Hampshire, Blake is a new transplant to Bloomington, IN with her husband David Murray, professor of music in trombone at The Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. She holds a BM from Boston University and MM from Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University.
