Ellen Trainer

A native of Delaware County, Ellen Trainer grew up in a musical family. Her father was a band and orchestra teacher in the Haverford School District as well as a church organist and dance band trombonist.  Her mother studied guitar with a degree in special education and music therapy. Although Ellen started her musical studies on violin, she made a permanent transition to viola her senior year in high school. She received her undergraduate and master’s degrees in viola performance at Temple University in Philadelphia.

Ellen attended numerous festivals including the National Repertory Orchestra, the Grand Teton Music Festival, the New School Festival and Encore School for Strings. During her studies, she worked with several prominent teachers, including, Leonard Mogill, Robert Vernon, Jascha Brodsky, Orland Cole, Helen Kwalwasser and Joseph de Pasquale.

Among Ellen’s accomplishments, she is principal viola in The Academy of Vocal Arts Orchestra and has been acting principal and section violist for The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia. She is also a member of the viola section for Opera Philadelphia, The Philly Pops, Orchestra 2001, as well as other small ensembles in the surrounding area. Ellen has performed with Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo, Jose Carreras and a number of pop and rock artists. She has toured as principal violist with the Star Wars Orchestra on their west coast tour.

Ellen is an active real estate investor and business owner. In her spare time, she enjoys biking and kayaking in the Rehoboth Beach area with her wife, Sherri Eyer, a practicing attorney.